Learning objectives
To review the spectrum of neurogenic tumors that occur in the abdomen.
To illustrate the various imaging findings,
in order to help radiologists to recognize the common clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the aforementioned tumors
To show the correlation between the imaging findings and the pathologic features
Background
The neurogenic tumors in the abdomen and pelvis are uncommon neoplasms that share similar clinical and imaging features,
therefore the location,
composition and shape are crucial to differentiate them.
They commonly involve the sympathetic ganglia in the paraspinal retroperitoneum or arise from the adrenal gland.
These tumors are usually asymptomatic,
unless they grow large enough to determinate compression of adjacent structures.
Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are important to differentiate the benign from the malignant lesions and to chose the best...
Findings and procedure details
1.
TUMORS OF GANGLION CELL ORIGIN
1.1 GANGLIONEUROMA
Ganglioneuromas are rare,
benign neurogenic tumors,
that originates from sympathetic ganglia,
and are composed of mature Schwann cells,
ganglion cells,
and nerve fibers.
Although benign,
poorly differentiated components,
such as ganglioneuroblastoma,
neuroblastoma,
or pheochromocytoma,
can appear in up to 25% of them.
The tumor affects more frequently children and young adults (42-60%),
but can occur in all ages,
and is slightly more often in female.
The most common locations are the retroperitoneum (32-52%) and posterior mediastinum (39-43%),...
Conclusion
To acknowledge the imaging findings and extension of the abdominal neurogenic tumors is important,
because the main approach for these tumors is surgical resection.
References
1: Rha SE,
Byun JY,
Jung SE,
Chun HJ,
Lee HG,
Lee JM.
Neurogenic tumors in the abdomen: tumor types and imaging characteristics.
Radiographics.
2003 Jan-Feb;23(1):29-43.
Review.
2: Pui MH,
Yang ZY,
Li ZP.
Computed tomography of abdominal neurogenic tumours.
Australas Radiol.
1998 Aug;42(3):183-7.
3: Otal P,
Mezghani S,
Hassissene S,
Maleux G,
Colombier D,
Rousseau H,
Joffre F.
Imaging of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma.
Eur Radiol.
2001;11(6):940-5.
4: Pfluger T,
Piccardo A.
Neuroblastoma: MIBG Imaging and New Tracers.
Semin Nucl Med.
2017 Mar;47(2):143-157.
5: Irwin MS,...