Published online Aug 21, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i31.9442
Peer-review started: April 9, 2015
First decision: April 23, 2015
Revised: May 11, 2015
Accepted: June 26, 2015
Article in press: June 26, 2015
Published online: August 21, 2015
Processing time: 133 Days and 0.4 Hours
A pancreatic paraganglioma is a rare neoplasm that is difficult to distinguish from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour. Here we present a case of pancreatic paraganglioma that was surgically resected following preoperative diagnosis of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour. Careful evaluation of the endoscopic ultrasonography findings revealed abundant draining vessels, which could have led to a correct preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic paraganglioma.
Core tip: Pancreatic paraganglioma is a rare disease, which has been reported only in 24 cases ever. Invasive procedures toward paragangliomas carry the potential risk of catastrophic complications due to unexpected release of large quantities of catecholamines. An accurate diagnosis of paraganglioma, therefore, is important before invasive procedures. Draining vessels from the tumour are sometimes observed in a general paraganglioma. However, it is still unclear in the pancreatic paraganglioma. In the present report, usefulness of draining vessels for a diagnosis of pancreatic paraganglioma was investigated by reviewing past cases.