Computed tomography as a supplement to urography in the evaluation of suspected neuroblastoma.

Abstract

Eleven children in whom a retroperitoneal neuroblastoma was suspected on the basis of plain radiographic or urographic findings underwent computed tomography (CT). CT identified and localized a neurogenic tumor in 8 patients. Calcifications were demonstrated by CT in 6 lesions, but by urography in only 4. One neuroblastoma detected by CT was not seen on the urogram; in 5 patients greater extent of the tumor was defined by CT than by conventional radiologic procedures. In 3 patients CT excluded a neuroblastoma but diagnosed other disorders (hepatic tumor, pancreatitis and retrocaval ureter). CT is a simple and accurate method for diagnosis, delineation of extent, or exclusion of neuroblastoma.