Transdifferentiation of Neuroendocrine Cells: Gangliocytoma Associated With Two Pituitary Adenomas of Different Lineage in MEN1

Am J Surg Pathol. 2017 Jun;41(6):849-853. doi: 10.1097/PAS.0000000000000803.

Abstract

Gangliocytomas are rare and benign neuronal cell tumors, mostly found in the hypothalamic and sellar regions. Their histogenesis is still the subject of discussions. Herein we present a unique case of a pituitary gangliocytoma associated with a prolactinoma and a corticotroph adenoma in a patient affected by MEN1. The histologic study revealed shared features between adenomatous and neuronal cells, supporting the etiological hypothesis of a common origin or a phenomenon of transdifferentiation. Furthermore, gangliocytoma could be a new tumor related to MEN1. The clinical and histologic observations are discussed and the literature on the topic is reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnosis
  • Adenoma / pathology*
  • Cell Transdifferentiation*
  • Ganglioneuroma / diagnosis
  • Ganglioneuroma / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / diagnosis
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / pathology*
  • Neuroendocrine Cells / pathology*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Prolactinoma / diagnosis
  • Prolactinoma / pathology*
  • Young Adult