[Congenital intraspinal neuroblastomas. A propos of 7 cases treated surgically]

Neuroblastomas appear to be one of the most frequent congenital solid tumors. Nevertheless, intraspinal congenital neuroblastomas are uncommon. The authors report seven cases of congenital intraspinal neuroblastomas operated on in the "Service de Neurochirurgie des Enfants-Malades" from 1970 to 1980. Their study and that of 16 cases published in the literature allows to stress several points (7, 12). The dumb-bell intraspinal neuroblastomas present a large extension. They usually determine a severe and definitive paraplegia. They probably have a long prenatal evolution. The tumoral prognosis of these congenital neuroblastomas is good. Success should be expected in nearly 80% of the cases. Surgery, in two steps, intra and extra spinal, remains compulsory even though the neurological prognosis is poor. It is useless to operate upon the neuroblastomas as emergencies, when neurological involvement is total at birth. The complementary treatment, X ray-therapy or chemotherapy is not without any danger on newborns. It necessary is not proved.