Prenatal diagnosis and subsequent treatment of an intermediate-risk paraspinal neuroblastoma: case report and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, and the most common malignancy diagnosed during infancy. In comparison, neonatal neuroblastoma is relatively rare. Improvements in prenatal imaging and widespread use of fetal ultrasonography have led to an increased rate of prenatal diagnoses.


METHODS
Case report and literature review.


RESULTS
We report a case of an intermediate-risk neuroblastoma, diagnosed at 36 weeks' gestation by ultrasound and subsequently visualized by fetal MRI, that resulted in spinal cord compression and decreased fetal movement. A multidisciplinary team approach resulted in rapid delivery, evaluation, biopsy, staging, and treatment implementation in a successful effort to preserve lower extremity function.


CONCLUSIONS
Prenatal diagnosis of neuroblastoma, management and outcomes are reviewed. Prompt diagnosis can strongly influence perinatal management and improve prognosis.
Blackman
Samuel C
SC
Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Evenson
Amy R
AR
Voss
Stephan D
SD
Barnewolt
Carol E
CE
Puder
Mark
M
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D005324:Fetal Movement; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal