Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

09:43
Functional and Morphological Assessment of Diaphragm Innervation by Phrenic Motor Neurons
Published on: May 25, 2015
Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the diaphragm: a case report
M S Smerdely1, G Raymond, K L Fisher
1University of Alberta, Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada.
Pediatric Radiology
|November 15, 2000
Summary
This report details a rare case of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) in a newborn
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are rare, aggressive pediatric neoplasms.
- PNETs typically arise in the central nervous system or sympathetic nervous system.
- Diaphragmatic PNETs are exceptionally uncommon, with no prior documented cases.
Observation:
- A neonate presented with a primitive neuroectodermal tumor originating from the diaphragm.
- The tumor exhibited characteristics of small, round, blue-cell neoplasms.
- Diagnostic imaging and histopathology confirmed the diaphragmatic origin.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of a PNET arising from the diaphragm in a neonate.
- The tumor's unique location challenges existing understanding of PNET origins.
- Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis and cellular morphology.
Implications:
- This finding expands the known spectrum of PNET presentation in infants.
- Further research is warranted to understand the embryological basis of diaphragmatic PNETs.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses in neonatal oncology.

