Ganglioneuroma of the Small Intestine Mimicking Crohn's Disease

Abstract

Introduction. Intestinal ganglioneuromatosis is a rare benign neoplastic disease. It is usually described in children, in association with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2b and neurofibromatosis type 1. Ganglioneuromatosis is rare in adults, where it usually occurs sporadically and in isolation.

Case report. We present a patient with intestinal ganglioneuromatosis in whom the initial clinical and radiographic findings simulated Crohn's disease. A small bowel resection was performed due to endoscopic capsule occlusion. The immunohistochemical study of the resected segment suggested the diagnosis of small bowel ganglioneuroma.

Conclusion. The clinical presentation of intestinal ganglioneuromatosis is variable. The patient may be oligosymptomatic or have an atypical presentation. This diagnosis should be considered when the most common causes of iron deficiency anemia have been excluded. Definitive diagnosis is possible after resection and pathologic analysis of the segment involved.