Congenital dumbbell neuroblastoma.

STUDY DESIGN

New babies with neurologic deficits resulting from intraspinal extension of congenital neuroblastoma is very unusual. Two patients with congenital dumbbell neuroblastoma with paraplegia are described, and 16 other cases are reviewed.

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical features and prognosis of congenital dumbbell neuroblastoma.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Only 16 cases were found in the literature.

METHODS

Two girls were diagnosed and underwent surgery.

RESULTS

Although no recurrence occurred in both patients, incomplete paresis remained. Corrective surgery was needed because of the post-laminectomy spinal deformity in patient 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a high survival rate in patients with congenital dumbbell neuroblastoma is encouraging, the poor neurologic recovery is of great concern. The authors recommend an early diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging and early spinal cord decompression followed by chemotherapy for congenital dumbbell neuroblastoma.