Additional pediatric resources: GeneralPediatrics.com | PediatricEducation.org | SearchingPediatrics.com
Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Arises from neuroblasts anywhere within the sympathetic nervous
system and adrenal medulla. Most common site is abdomen (60% ) and
70% of these are adrenal, 13% are in the thorax, 5% are in the neck
and 4% are in the pelvis and 2% are in the posterior fossa and
olfactory bulb. Spreads via direct invasion, blood, and lymphatics.
Many have early bone marrow involvement. Skeletal metastases can be
isolated foci or can be diffuse metaphyseal infiltration of the long
bones. Hepatic metastases are also common.
Pathology:
Not applicable
Imaging Findings:
The abdominal plain film shows a calcified mass in 66%.
Ultrasound shows a solid mass that displaces the kidney, but does not distort it.
CT and MRI show the extent of the mass, with MRI demonstrating if there is any extension into the spinal canal.
Nuclear medicine bone scan to displays bone metastases.
DDX:
References:
Additional pediatric resources: GeneralPediatrics.com | PediatricEducation.org | SearchingPediatrics.com
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