Sonography of neuroblastoma.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Oncology Imaging

Background:

• Neuroblastoma is a common pediatric malignancy.
• Accurate imaging is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the sonographic features of pediatric neuroblastoma.
• To correlate imaging findings with tumor characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of sonograms from 21 children with neuroblastoma.
• Evaluation of primary tumors (n=14) before therapy.
• Analysis of sonographic criteria: size, location, echogenicity, anechoic areas, and margins.

Main Results:

• All 14 primary neuroblastomas exhibited heterogeneous echogenicity.
• Poorly defined margins were consistently observed.
• Discrete anechoic areas (0.5-4 cm) were present in 10 tumors.
• Average greatest tumor dimension was 7.7 cm.
• Calcification was identified in 3 tumors.

Conclusions:

• Sonography demonstrates consistent features in pediatric neuroblastoma.
• Heterogeneous echogenicity and ill-defined margins are key indicators.
• Anechoic areas are a common finding, potentially reflecting necrosis or cystic changes.