What MRI can tell us about neurogenic tumors and rhabdomyosarcoma

This review focuses on the MRI features of neurogenic tumors and rhabdomyosarcoma in children. Neurogenic tumors include those arising from a nerve sheath and neuroblastic tumors that arise from the sympathetic nervous system. Nerve sheath tumors can be benign or malignant and occur sporadically or in association with neurofibromatosis type 1. Neuroblastic tumors comprise a spectrum of tumors ranging from highly malignant neuroblastoma to the benign ganglioneuroma. These neurogenic tumors arise in typical locations within the chest, abdomen and pelvis and have distinctive and characteristic imaging features that should suggest their diagnosis. Rhabdomyosarcoma encompasses a variety of histological subtypes that exhibit varying degrees of aggressiveness and biological behavior. While some abdominal and pelvic locations are well known to give rise to rhabdomyosarcoma, this tumor can arise in any tissue in the body except bone. The paper reviews the MRI and clinical features of neurogenic tumors and rhabdomyosarcoma and the imaging findings that can aid in clinical management.