Prenatal diagnosis of adrenal neuroblastoma

A right retroperitoneal mass with mixed solid and cystic pattern was detected sonographically in a fetus in the 36th week of pregnancy. After term delivery radiologic, sonographic, and CT studies confirmed the presence of a spherical, 5 × 4-cm mass above the right kidney with mixed echogenicity. At operation an enlarged adrenal gland containing hemorrhagic spaces was removed. Histological studies revealed adrenal neuroblastoma. This prenatal sonographic pattern was suggestive of neuroblastoma because it was identical to that of the only similar case reported so far. Prenatal detection is therefore possible and should be regarded as desirable since early diagnosis and treatment provide the best chances for cure.Offprint requests to: J. A. Tovar