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[Congenital fetal neuroblastoma]
F Rivasi1, B Gasser, G Collina
1Dipartimento di Scienze Morfologiche e Medico Legali, Sezione di Anatomia, Istologia e Citologia Patologica, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia. Via del Pozzo 71, 41100, Modena, Italie.
Annales De Pathologie
|February 27, 2001
Summary
Congenital neuroblastoma, a rare pediatric tumor, was identified in two fetuses. This study details findings in fetal neuroblastoma cases, including placental metastasis, highlighting its rarity and diagnostic markers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Developmental Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Neuroblastoma originates from neural crest cells and typically affects infants and children.
- Congenital neuroblastoma, diagnosed in utero or at birth, is exceptionally rare.
- This report presents two cases of fetal neuroblastoma diagnosed during autopsy.
Observation:
- A 24-week gestation fetus showed neuroblastoma cells in adrenal glands and retroperitoneal fat.
- A 28-week gestation fetus presented with a mediastinal tumor, adrenal, liver, and brain metastases.
- Placental involvement with neuroblastoma cells in fetal vessels was observed in one case.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed neuroblastoma markers (NSE, NB 84, chromogranin, synaptophysin, neurofilaments) and ruled out others (desmin, MIC 2, S-100).
- The 28-week fetus exhibited extensive metastasis, including to the brain cortex.
- This represents the thirteenth reported case of congenital neuroblastoma with placental metastasis.
Implications:
- These cases underscore the importance of considering congenital neuroblastoma in fetal autopsies.
- Understanding metastatic patterns is crucial for diagnosing and managing this rare condition.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and early detection of congenital neuroblastoma is warranted.