CT of neuroblastomas and ganglioneuromas in children

Computed tomography (CT) has made a profound impact on the diagnosis and treatment of neuroblastomas and ganglioneuromas. The size, location, calcification, composition, and contiguous spread of the tumors has been well demonstrated by CT. CT is essential for their staging, subsequent treatment, and follow-up. Seventy-seven children were reviewed, 67 with neuroblastoma and 10 with ganglioneuroma seen between 1976 and 1980. Fifty-eight had one or more body CT scans, 22 had metrizamide myelography and/or CT metrizamide myelography, and three patients had cranial CT. Intraspinal extension of tumor occurred in 11 instances, several requiring decompressive surgery. A workup plan for optimal use of CT and CT metrizamide myelography was developed from this experience.