Laparoscopic Extirpation of Adrenal Gland Ganglioneuroma Incidentally Diagnosed During Evaluation for Patchy Alopecia Areata in an Adolescent Boy

Objective: We present a 17-year-old boy with an incidentally diagnosed left adrenal ganglioneuroma during the diagnostic workup of alopecia areata.

Clinical Presentation And Intervention: Laboratory investigations revealed vitamin D deficiency. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed and ganglioneuroma was confirmed histologically. At follow-up, the vitamin D supplements improved the vitamin D levels followed by a gradual regression of alopecia areata. However, it recurred 18 months later despite the normal levels of serum vitamin D and no tumor recurrence.

Conclusion: Further studies should reveal the relationship between alopecia areata and ganglioneuroma as well as the role of vitamin D in alopecia areata.