MULTIFOCAL PRIMARY NEUROBLASTOMA

The purpose of this study is to present three patients with multifocal primary neuroblastoma, to review the literature, and describe the rad iographic findings. Subjects and methods. Three children with multifoc al neuroblastoma have been identified. The case histories and imaging findings in these patients are reviewed. Results. Two children had syn chronous and one child had metachronous multifocal primary neuroblasto ma. The primary tumors were both in the abdomen in one patient, both i n the chest in another patient, and in the chest and abdomen in the th ird patient. Evidence for multifocal origin of these tumors, rather th an metastatic spread, is presented. Conclusion. Multifocal primary neu roblastomas can occur. The tumors maybe synchronous or metachronous. A wareness of this disorder may prevent errors in diagnosis and staging. Although not identified in our patients there is a strong familial in cidence of neuroblastomas in those patients with multifocal tumors.