Learning objectives
This educational exhibit aims to illustrate the imaging characteristics of the most common retroperitoneal tumors in pediatric patients,
with emphasis on neuroblastomas.
Furthermore,
the reader will be made aware of possible and often common differential diagnosis pitfalls.
Background
Unfortunately,
the pediatric population is susceptible to malignancies.
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid malignancy in children and the third most common malignancy of childhood,
with only leukemia and primary brain tumors being more common.
Because of its aggressive nature and late staging at presentation,
it accounts for approximately 15% of childhood cancer deaths.
Often presenting with nonspecific symptoms mimicking benign disease,
the importance of diagnostic imaging is further emphasized.
Furthermore,
early detection is essential!
Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor of primitive neuroectodermal or...
Findings and procedure details
While,
in recent years,
survival rates for children with cancer increased,
imaging technologies available have evolved to include a wide array of modalities.
Ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality in pediatrics,
particularly for patients presenting with a palpable abdominal mass,
therefore being the most common method of diagnosis.
On ultrasound,
neuroblastomas are generally solid,
occasionally with small punctate echogenic areas.
However,
the echogenicity on ultrasonography varies; some may be evenly echogenic,
whereas others are highly heterogeneous.
Acoustic shadowing behind the areas of calcification may or...
Conclusion
Knowing the typical imaging appearance is necessary,
albeit insufficient,
particularly regarding pediatric retroperitoneal masses.
Multidisciplinary approach and multi-imaging strategies are essential in defining the correct diagnosis.
References
1.
De Bruyn R.
Pediatric ultrasound.
How,
why and when.
Elsevier.
2005: 103-127.
2.
Liu W,
Zheng J,
Li Q.
Application of imaging modalities for evaluating neuroblastoma.
J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab.
2013.
26(11-12):1015-20.
3.
David R,
Lamki N,
Fan S et-al.
The many faces of neuroblastoma.
Radiographics.
1989;9 (5): 859-82.
4.
Lonergan GJ,
Schwab CM,
Suarez ES et-al.
Neuroblastoma,
ganglioneuroblastoma,
and ganglioneuroma: radiologic-pathologic correlation.
Radiographics.
22 (4): 911-34.
5.
Chung EM,
Graeber AR,
Conran RM.
Renal Tumors of Childhood: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation Part 1.
The 1st...