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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