Epidural compression in neuroblastoma: Diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.
The involvement by tumour of intervertebral foramina and the consequent invasion of the spinal space, accompanied or not by neurological symptoms, represent a well-recognised pattern of presentation of neuroblastoma. The main peculiarity of this condition stands in the fact that, in case of its late detection or inadequate treatment, severe, permanent neurological compromise may ensue. Surprisingly enough, remarkable disagreements still exist regarding its optimal treatment and the related literature provide contrasting indications at this respect. The neurosurgical and the chemotherapeutic approaches have equally convinced supporters, while the use of radiation therapy is uncommon, possibly without good reasons. This mini-review intends to report the clinical experiences of the major Paediatric Oncology Groups with the aim to collect as many data as possible in the perspective of establishing common guidelines for proper diagnosing and treatment of this important complication.
Department of Haematology-Oncology, Giannina Gaslini Children's Hospital, Largo Gerolamo Gaslini, 5, 16148 Genova, Italy. brunodebernardi@ospedale-gaslini.ge.it
Bruno
B
De Bernardi
Walentyna
W
Balwierz
Joanna
J
Bejent
Susan L
SL
Cohn
Maria Luisa
ML
Garrè
Tomoko
T
Iehara
Dominique
D
Plantaz
Thorsten
T
Simon
Paola
P
Angelini
Armando
A
Cama
Wendy B
WB
London
Kim
K
Kramer
Howard M
HM
Katzenstein
Paolo
P
Tortori-Donati
Andrea
A
Rossi
Giulio J
GJ
D'Angio
Audrey E
AE
Evans
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000150:complications*; D011878:Radiotherapy; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents