Neuroimaging Patterns of Central Nervous System Metastases in Neuroblastoma: Report of 2 Recent Cases and Literature Review

Abstract

The authors describe imaging patterns of intracranial metastases in 2 children with grade 4 neuroblastoma. Central nervous system metastases from neuroblastoma are extremely rare and may involve the cerebral parenchyma, leptomeninges, or dura. Cerebral parenchymal metastases can be cystic with mural nodules or solid with hemorrhagic elements. The first patient in our study had multiple cystic parenchymal metastases with calcific mural nodules, while the second patient developed solid hemorrhagic parenchymal metastatic lesions along with extensive leptomeningeal and dural deposits. Central nervous system involvement in both patients occurred within a time span ranging from 12 to 14 months from the time of initial diagnosis.