[Congenital neuroblastomas]

A group of 2,576 autopsies of children of the age of 0 to 15 years (made between 1978 and 1987) comprised 14 congenital (neonatal) tumours (among 93 tumorous lesions). Teratomas were the most frequent congenital tumours followed by neuroblastomas (4 and 3 cases). Neuroblastomas grew from cervical and thoracoabdominal sympathicus and from the right adrenal medulla. The most frequent and most extent hematogenic dissemination concerned liver, microscopical examination found dissemination in various organs as well as a lymphatic spread to regional lymph nodes (in 2 cases). One case was characterized by an exclusive continual destructive growth in retroperitoneum and posterior mediastinum with 2 macroscopical secondaries in skeleton. Pathognomic differentiated structures were always found by light microscopy. Differential diagnosis of round cell tumours of infancy was discussed with a concise exposure of symptomatology and autoptic findings of neuroblastomas according to congenital cases from literature.