塩谷 昭子, 伊藤 秀一, 向林 知津, 石口 正, 有井 研司, 岡 久渡, 中田 秀則, 原 猛, 西岡 新吾

Akiko SHIOTANI, Hidekazu ITOH, Chizu MUKOUBAYASHI, Tadashi ISHIGUCHI, Kenzi ARII, Hisato OKA, Hidenori NAKATA, Takeshi HARA, Shingo NISHIOKA

和歌山県立医科大学第2 内科

Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical College

キーワード : Needle biopsy , Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma , Ultrasonography

A case of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma that was accurately diagnosed by needle biopsy under ultrasonography (US) is described here. The patient was a 24-year-old woman with right lumbar pain. Mild anemia was present, but results of physical examination and routine laboratory studies were otherwise normal. US showed a right infrahepatic hypoechoic mass that measured 6 X 8 cm. The abdominal computed tomogram (CT) scan showed a marginally enhanced low-density mass that contained a calcification spot. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the tumor to appear diffusely hypointense in T 1-weighted images and hyperintense in T 2-weighted images. MRI and angiography indicated no invasive tumor growth toward other organs, and results of Ga scintigraphy were normal. Needle biopsy under ultrasonography led to a diagnosis of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma composed of mature ganglion cells, and surgery was performed in January 1996. The tumor was so well encapsulated that it could be completely removed. The removed tumor measured 12.0 X 8.0 cm, and weighted 155 g; its cut surface was yellowish white. These results suggest that needle biopsy under ultrasonography must be useful in the diagnosis of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma.