Long‐term outcome of patients with intraspinal neuroblastoma

Prenatal diagnosis of dumbbell neuroblastoma

“…Dumbbell neuroblastoma is generally suspected on the basis of neurological symptoms such as paralysis, bowel and bladder dysfunction, pain, or weakness during the neonatal period2–6. Approximately 10–15% of neuroblastomas infiltrate the intervertebral foramina and invade the spinal canal with or without cord compression.…”

“…Dumbbell neuroblastomas are now considered to be unresectable tumors and preoperative chemotherapy is recommended2–8. The treatment is often followed by excision of the tumor.…”

“…As a result, laminectomy was avoided or delayed in 75% of cases, thereby reducing orthopedic complications. The extent of orthopedic sequelae, such as severe scoliosis associated with neurological decompression, was illustrated in a publication by Hoover et al 4. Spinal deformities, primarily kyphoses, have also been described as sequelae of spinal radiation therapy, now abandoned as a method of treatment.…”

Prenatal Diagnosis of Neuroblastoma

“…21,22 Dumbbell neuroblastoma is suspected based on neurological symptoms like bowel and bladder dysfunction, paralysis, pain during neonatal period. [23][24][25] 10 to 15% of neuro blastomas invade the intervertebral foramina and spinal canal with or without cord compression. Although the oncological outcome of the tumor is very good, functional sequelae can be severe.…”

Image of the Month: Answer

“…Extension from the retroperitoneal space via intervertebral foramina can occur in a ‘dumbbell’‐like manner. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical decompression with laminectomy are different therapeutic options in the treatment of cord compression from neuroblastoma 1 . Congenital neuroblastoma presenting with paraplegia is rare; though the survival is better compared to older children 2 .…”