The importance of sonography in the imaging of neuroblastomas in new-born and young babies

Autor: Thomas Riebel, Ralf Herold, Wilhelm Kampmann, Hannes Schedel, Rolf Keitzer, Christian Bassir, Rohangiz Nasir
Rok vydání: 1997
Předmět:
Zdroj: European Journal of Ultrasound. 6:25-33
ISSN: 0929-8266
DOI: 10.1016/s0929-8266(97)00037-2
Popis: Objective: To demonstrate the importance of ultrasonography in the imaging of neuroblastomas of early infancy. Methods: The imaging documents of six infants aged 3–120 days with histologically confirmed neuroblastoma were evaluated retrospectively. Only two patients had a palpable mass; the tumours in the other four were detected accidentally. Ultrasonography was the initial imaging modality in all infants and was also used for follow-up studies. CT was performed additionally in three patients, MRI in three, and 131mIGB scintigraphy in two. Results: Ultrasonography accurately revealed the extent of all masses—including intraspinal spread in two cases—and their relationship to neighbouring structures. Follow-up studies with ultrasound were the easiest and most helpful imaging tool to differentiate small neuroblastomas from adrenal haemorrhage, particularly when urinary VMA/HMA excretion was not elevated. With regard to the other imaging modalities, only mIGB scintigraphy added important differential-diagnostic information. Conclusion: Sonography is the imaging method of choice in the diagnosis and follow-up of neuroblastomas in new-born and young babies. The method of mIBG scintigraphy can be reserved for equivocal situations regarding the primary tumour and for detecting liver and/or skeletal metastases. CT and MRI occasionally provide additional information regarding the staging of the disease (e.g. demonstration of liver metastases) and surgical planning.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
Externí odkaz: