Objectives: The prenatal finding of a large cystic adrenal mass raises the dilemma of the differential diagnosis between adrenal hemorrhage and cystic neuroblastoma. The possibility of a neuroblastoma usually leads to surgical excision of such tumors. Nevertheless, an adrenal hemorrhage has to be recognized, so that unnecessary surgery may be avoided. Methods: Three cases of large prenatally detected adrenal masses managed nonoperatively are reported. Data studied were: age at the diagnosis, prenatal and postnatal ultrasonographic consistency, and tumor marker levels. Size and sonographic evolution were also studied. Results: In all 3 cases, a cystic mass, measuring more than 40 mm in size, was detected during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The sonographic appearance evolved from a sonolucent tumor to a heterogeneous mass with hyperechoic areas. The tumor marker levels were normal. All infants had a documented decrease in mass size at birth and were managed nonoperatively. All these tumors were considered adrenal hemorrhages. Conclusions: Prenatal ultrasonography rarely permits to distinguish an adrenal hemorrhage from a cystic neuroblastoma. The differential diagnosis, even in large masses, is based on close postnatal follow-up with serial sonography. Surgery is not mandatory, unless the size does not decrease. However, without pathologic proof, it is not possible to differentiate an adrenal hemorrhage from a spontaneously resolved neuroblastoma.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.