A case of congenital intraspinal neuroblastoma

J Pediatr Surg. 1997 Sep;32(9):1371-6. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3468(97)90326-2.

Abstract

A case of congenital intraspinal neuroblastoma with paraplegia in a newborn is described, and a review of previously reported cases is presented. Calcification within the spinal canal and abdominal mass was noted. At age 75 days, the patient underwent a resection of almost the entire retroperitonial tumor. A magnetic resonance scan showed hepatic metastasis, and chemotherapy was changed to a more intensive regimen. The liver metastasis disappeared; however, neurological signs persisted. A literature review of 38 cases showed 26 patients had a laminectomy and 12 patients did not. Treatment with or without laminectomy was associated with a poor prognosis for neurological recovery, suggesting cord compression must occur antenatally, and irreversible damage occurs before birth. Congenital intraspinal neuroblastoma has a relatively good prognosis (survival rate, 91.9%), although complete neurological recovery is highly unusual. Based on these findings, the authors conclude that a laminectomy is not indicated for those patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Calcinosis / congenital
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Laminectomy
  • Male
  • Neuroblastoma / congenital*
  • Neuroblastoma / diagnosis
  • Neuroblastoma / surgery*
  • Paraplegia / congenital
  • Prognosis
  • Spinal Diseases / congenital
  • Spinal Neoplasms / congenital*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Spinal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Survival Analysis