[A case report on cervical neuroblastoma with ataxia].

Abstract

We present a case of pediatric primary cervical neuroblastoma (NB), which is extremely rare. A 3-year-old girl with ataxia but no nasal obstruction, dysphagia, or stridor was diagnosed with cervical NB. Diagnostic results including clinical chemistry, full blood count, and serology, were normal. Ataxia worsened within a few days after onset and was not cured by steroids or intravenous immunoglobulin, delaying a definite diagnosis until a tumor was detected. Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome is typified by opsoclonus with myoclonus and ataxia, primarily associated with neuroblastoma. Brain stem cell and cerebellum dysfunction is thought to be due to an autoimmune mechanism. Following chemotherapy and selective neck dissection, the girl has had no recurrence or adverse sequelae. Ataxia disappeared during chemotherapy. We suggest that neuroblastoma should be considered in any child with unexpected by prolonged ataxia.

• Authors: Nobuaki Kanemura, Tomoaki Nakano, Ayako Hirano, Hisao Amatsu, Naomi Koshimo, Go Uemura, Tsunemasa Aiba
• Journal: Nihon Jibiinkoka Gakkai kaiho (Nihon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho) Vol. 114 Issue 5 Pg. 505-10 (May 2011) ISSN: 0030-6622 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 21702171 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Head and Neck Neoplasms (complications, diagnosis)
• Humans
• Neuroblastoma (complications, diagnosis)
• Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome (etiology)