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[Pediatric neuroblastoma with early bilateral blindness]
M Reim1, H C Müther, J H Karstens
1Abteilung Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät, Rheinisch-Westfälischen Technischen, Hochschule Aachen.
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Neuroblastoma can infiltrate the orbit early, causing blindness before typical signs appear. Periosteal thickening on CT scans may indicate this orbital invasion by neuroblastoma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroradiology
Background:
- Neuroblastoma is a common pediatric malignancy.
- Orbital involvement in neuroblastoma can lead to vision loss.
- Early detection of orbital infiltration is crucial for timely intervention.
Observation:
- A case of a child with neuroblastoma and bilateral blindness due to early orbital infiltration is presented.
- Computerized tomography revealed periosteal thickening in the lateral orbit, suggesting tumor infiltration.
- A severe inflammatory reaction and corneal melting occurred in the left orbit during chemotherapy.
Findings:
- Periosteal thickening on CT scans may serve as an early indicator of orbital neuroblastoma infiltration.
- Orbital neuroblastoma can present with blindness preceding other characteristic clinical signs.
- Aggressive chemotherapy can precipitate severe ocular inflammatory complications.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of neuroimaging in diagnosing subtle orbital involvement in pediatric cancers.
- Suggests a potential role for CT-detected periosteal changes in identifying high-risk patients.
- Underscores the need for vigilant ophthalmological monitoring during neuroblastoma treatment, especially with intensive chemotherapy.