Ultrasound diagnosis of abdomino-pelvic neuroblastoma

Ultrasound scans of 16 children with abdomino-pelvic neuroblastoma (11 adrenal, 5 extra-adrenal) were reviewed to determine their specific features. With large suprarenal masses, renal displacement and distortion are such that differentiation between renal and extrarenal origin relies on other parameters. The typical ultrasound appearance of an adrenal neuroblastoma is a mass greater than 8 cm in diameter, displacing adjacent great vessels anteriorly and to the opposite side. One hundred percent show echogenicity greater than liver, either focally or diffusely. Ultrasound parameters of great vessel displacement and echo texture have been found reliable in distinguishing between neuroblastoma and other loin masses.