Neuroblastoma MRI

MRI is considered the most useful modality in staging of neuroblastoma. It is superior to CT scan when determining marrow infiltration and intra spinal tumor extension.MRI findings in neuroblastoma patients include; hypointense heterogeneous mass on T1 weighted image, heterogeneous/hyperintense enhancement due to necrosis and cyst formation seen on T2 weighted images.

• MRI has been considered the most useful modality in staging of neuroblastoma in recent years.^[1][2][3]
• MRI is superior to CT scan when determining marrow infiltration and intra spinal tumor extension.^[4]
• The advantages of MRI include lack of ionizing radiation and no necessity of using oral contrast.
• MRI findings observed among neuroblastoma patients include:^[5][6]

• T1 weighted image demonstrates:

• Hypointense heterogeneous mass

• T1 weighted image with gadolinium contrast demonstrates:

• Heterogeneous variable enhancement

• T2 weighted image demonstrates:

• Heterogeneous/hyperintense enhancement due necrosis and cyst formation

• 
  Neuroblastoma observed on coronal MRI of the abdomen as a well defined mass lesion located at the right suprarenal region^[5]
• 
  Neuroblastoma observed on sagittal MRI as a large mass which extends into the spinal canal and causes significant cord compression^[5]
• 
  Neuroblastoma observed on transverse MRI as a large mass which extends into the spinal canal and causes significant cord compression^[5]

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