Multifocal primary neuroblastoma.
The purpose of this study is to present three patients with multifocal primary neuroblastoma, to review the literature, and describe the radiographic findings.


METHODS
Three children with multifocal neuroblastoma have been identified. The case histories and imaging findings in these patients are reviewed.


RESULTS
Two children had synchronous and one child had metachronous multifocal primary neuroblastoma. The primary tumors were both in the abdomen in one patient, both in the chest in another patient, and in the chest and abdomen in the third patient. Evidence for multifocal origin of these tumors, rather than metastatic spread, is presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Multifocal primary neuroblastomas can occur. The tumors maybe synchronous or metachronous. Awareness of this disorder may prevent errors in diagnosis and staging. Although not identified in our patients there is a strong familial incidence of neuroblastomas in those patients with multifocal tumors.
Cohen
M D
MD
Department of Radiology, Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202-5200.
Auringer
S T
ST
Grosfeld
J L
JL
Galliani
C A
CA
Heerema
N A
NA
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary