So-called primitive neuroectodermal tumor in macerated fetuses: a confusing artifact

We studied 11 macerated fetuses with so-called primitive neuroectodermal tumors. Because we doubled the tumorous nature of this disorder, we produced a similar lesion in a comparable 12th fetus. Experimental compression of the skull of the macerated fetus resulted in expulsion of the nervous tissue by way of the vertebral canal and into the retroperitoneal space along the peripheral nerves, with spreading into the adjacent tissues and in blood vessels. The macroscopic and microscopic picture that was induced was essentially identical to that of the 11 spontaneous cases. This lesion, which has been called primitive neuroectodermal tumor in macerated fetuses, must therefore be considered an artifact.