Musculoskeletal CT Appearances

Neuroblastoma CT Findings

• Most commonly found in the retroperitoneum but can be seen in many parts of the body
• Commonly arise in the adrenal gland
• Large and heterogeneous
• Lobulated mass
• Most cases have calcification
• Little enhancement
• May have areas of low attenuation
• Encasement and/or compression of abdominal vessels
• Usually occur in pediatric patients but can occur in adults

Other Information About Neuroblastoma

Etiology:

• Unknown

Epidemiology:

• Median age of presentation is 17 months

Presentation:

• Palpable mass
• Abdominal distension
• Diarrhea and/or constipation
• Bulging eyes that may have surrounding muscle twitching or dark circles
• Bone and/or back pain
• Pallor
• Leg weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Can cause Horner’s syndrome

Prognosis:

• The survival rates have an International Neuroblastoma Risk Group Staging System (INRGSS) rather than staging
• The relative 5-year survival rate for neuroblastoma is:
  • Low risk: 95%
  • Intermediate risk: 95%
  • High risk: 60%