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Tumour mimics in paediatric neuroimaging.
Fiorenza Coppola1, Ulrike Löbel2, Giovanni Morana3
1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy. fiorenza.coppola@unito.it.
Neuroradiology
|November 22, 2024
Summary
Pediatric neuro-radiology faces challenges distinguishing tumors from mimics and chameleons. This pictorial essay aids in recognizing these non-neoplastic and atypical neoplastic conditions to prevent misdiagnosis and guide appropriate care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Neuroradiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Distinguishing pediatric brain tumors from other conditions is a significant diagnostic challenge.
- Mimics (non-neoplastic mimics) and chameleons (atypical tumor presentations) can lead to misdiagnosis.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial to prevent inappropriate investigations and treatments in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe mimics and chameleons in pediatric neuro-radiology.
- To raise awareness of these challenging diagnostic entities.
- To aid clinicians in preventing misdiagnosis and guiding appropriate patient management.
Main Methods:
- Presentation of a pictorial essay with a collection of challenging pediatric neuro-radiology cases.
- Review of cases with misleading radiological features, absence of symptoms, or coincidental findings.
- Discussion of diagnostic approaches including history, physical examination, laboratory investigations, and biopsy.
Main Results:
- Illustrates diverse cases of mimics and chameleons that have posed diagnostic difficulties.
- Highlights the utility of biopsy in achieving correct diagnoses in complex cases.
- Underscores the need for comprehensive evaluation to differentiate neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions.
Conclusions:
- Increased awareness of mimics and chameleons can improve diagnostic accuracy in pediatric neuro-radiology.
- A thorough clinical and radiological assessment is essential for appropriate diagnosis.
- Further research is needed on the interplay between malformations, metabolic, and genetic disorders in tumor development.
