The diagnosis and staging of neuroblastoma

Forty-five cases of neuroblastoma were reviewed to assess the value of current diagnostic methods. Urinary catecholamine and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid levels were elevated in only 48% and 60% of cases, respectively. All abdominal or pelvic tumour masses were detected by intravenous urography, ultrasound or computed tomography (CT): CT was the best single investigation but the two less expensive techniques detected most of the tumours. Trephine biopsy was more successful than aspiration in detecting bone marrow metastases. Liver scintigraphy was positive in six of seven cases with hepatic secondaries.