[Radiologic analysis of 51 cases of neuroblastoma]

The X-ray findings in 51 cases of neuroblastoma were analysed. The aim of plain film of abdomen is to search for fine sandy calcifications in the abdominal mass, paravertebral widening at lower thoracic region, and bone metastases. Displacement and deformity of kidney by extrinsic pressure seen in IVU are useful in differentiating an extrarenal tumor from intrarenal one. Ultrasound and CT are superior to IVU in localization diagnosis and defining the extent of abdominal neuroblastoma. Thoracic neuroblastoma usually manifests as a posterior mediastinal tumor associated with rib changes and the chest film remains valuable in diagnosis of this condition. It is mandatory to screen the patient for skeletal metastases radiographically and to investigate the bone marrow, and urine VMA whenever abnormalities are found in abdominal or thoracic imaging. The significance of combined imaging techniques in staging of neuroblastoma was discussed, and a simple diagnostic approach was proposed.