Neuroblastoma with bone metastases

Case contributed by Jane McEniery
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Left antalgic gait and low-grade fevers for 2 days.

Patient Data

Age: 3 years
Gender: Female

An ill-defined region of lucency in the left femoral neck and proximal femoral shaft. On the oblique projection, there is an ill-distinct margin of the posterior femoral cortex.  

MR demonstrates diffuse marrow signal abnormality, with widespread T1 hypointensity, STIR hyperintensity, and heterogeneous post-contrast enhancement. The extent of marrow abnormality is much more than appreciated on x-ray.

There are some regions of enhancing periosteal reaction (i.e. right proximal femur). No visible joint effusions. The muscles and soft tissues of the lower limbs are normal. 

At the edge of the film, best seen on the axial T1 FS post-contrast sequences, there is a partially imaged lobulated lesion in the right suprarenal region. The right kidney is displaced inferiorly, and the IVC/aorta are splayed.

Case Discussion

The main diagnostic consideration for this case is metastatic neuroblastoma, with a retroperitoneal primary. 

In isolation, the diffuse marrow infiltration may be seen in leukemia such as ALL, however, this would not account for the retroperitoneal mass.

Further investigation involves CT/MRI of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, MIBG and correlation with urinary catecholamines. In this case, neuroblastoma was confirmed on histology.

Case contributed by Dr Kieran Frawley.

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