KEY FACTS
Imaging
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> 90% of fetal cases arise in adrenal gland
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May be solid, cystic, or mixed
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Cystic appearance may represent involuting tumor and is excellent prognosis
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Calcification may be present but less common than in pediatric age group
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Liver most common location for metastases; may form discrete nodules or be diffusely infiltrating
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Look for placental metastases especially if maternal symptoms of preeclampsia
Top Differential Diagnoses
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Extralobar sequestration may present as suprarenal mass
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Left-sided mass; separate normal adrenal gland
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Dominant feeding vessel from aorta
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Adrenal hemorrhage much more common in pediatric population but has been reported in utero
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No flow on Doppler; will involute over several weeks
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Clinical Issues
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Variable fetal course
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May resolve spontaneously, remain stable, or rarely progress to hydrops and even death
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Most fetal neuroblastomas have both favorable stage and biologic markers and have excellent prognosis
Scanning Tips
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Must perform careful, focused, high-frequency exam looking for normal adrenal gland
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No normal adrenal gland supports neuroblastoma
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If present, sequestration is more likely
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Assess vascularity with color Doppler
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Some flow but no dominant feeding vessel
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Careful examination of liver for metastases
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Diffusely infiltrating metastases are difficult to diagnose
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Be suspicious when hepatomegaly or hydrops is present
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Close follow-up as may either grow or regress
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Monitor for hydrops