[Neuroblastoma, factor of early decompensation of tetralogy of Fallot]

Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss. 1992 May;85(5):619-22.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The authors report the case of a tetralogy of Fallot associated with a neuroblastoma secreting large quantities of noradrenaline. Anoxic decompensation of the tetralogy of Fallot occurred early at the age of 4 months with cyanotic crises associated with an impression of abdominal pain. A systemic-pulmonary anastomosis was performed and the cyanosis regressed but the crises persisted and investigations showed the presence of a neuroblastoma. The tumour was treated by surgery and chemotherapy and has not recurred after 2 years' follow-up. Complete repair of the tetralogy of Fallot was performed secondarily at the age of 2. In this case, the high concentration of circulating catecholamines was probably a factor of early decompensation of the tetralogy of Fallot by infundibular spasm. A review of the literature revealed 26 cases of cardiac disease with a peripheral neurogenic tumour. Two pathogenic mechanisms are suggested: an embryological abnormality of cardiac cell migration from the neural crest and chronic stimulation of neuroblastic cells by chronic hypoxia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Neural Crest
  • Neuroblastoma / complications
  • Neuroblastoma / congenital*
  • Neuroblastoma / therapy
  • Norepinephrine / blood
  • Tetralogy of Fallot / complications*
  • Tetralogy of Fallot / surgery
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / complications
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / congenital*
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Norepinephrine