Neuroblastoma





KEY FACTS


Imaging





  • > 90% of fetal cases arise in adrenal gland



  • May be solid, cystic, or mixed




    • Cystic appearance may represent involuting tumor and is excellent prognosis




  • Calcification may be present but less common than in pediatric age group



  • Liver most common location for metastases; may form discrete nodules or be diffusely infiltrating



  • Look for placental metastases especially if maternal symptoms of preeclampsia



Top Differential Diagnoses





  • Extralobar sequestration may present as suprarenal mass




    • Left-sided mass; separate normal adrenal gland



    • Dominant feeding vessel from aorta




  • Adrenal hemorrhage much more common in pediatric population but has been reported in utero




    • No flow on Doppler; will involute over several weeks




Clinical Issues





  • Variable fetal course




    • May resolve spontaneously, remain stable, or rarely progress to hydrops and even death




  • Most fetal neuroblastomas have both favorable stage and biologic markers and have excellent prognosis



Scanning Tips





  • Must perform careful, focused, high-frequency exam looking for normal adrenal gland




    • No normal adrenal gland supports neuroblastoma



    • If present, sequestration is more likely




  • Assess vascularity with color Doppler




    • Some flow but no dominant feeding vessel




  • Careful examination of liver for metastases




    • Diffusely infiltrating metastases are difficult to diagnose



    • Be suspicious when hepatomegaly or hydrops is present




  • Close follow-up as may either grow or regress



  • Monitor for hydrops







Coronal ultrasound of the fetal abdomen (top) shows a solid, echogenic mass (calipers) above the right kidney . Sagittal ultrasound after delivery (bottom) confirms a solid, suprarenal mass (calipers).








Photograph of the surgical specimen shows the adrenal mass compressing the upper pole of the kidney. Most fetal neuroblastoma is low risk and has both a favorable stage and biologic markers. Current treatment recommendations are for a more conservative approach, with many being followed rather than resected.





Nov 10, 2024 | Posted by in ULTRASONOGRAPHY | Comments Off on Neuroblastoma

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