investigations
Last reviewed 01/2018
Radiology:
- plain abdominal radiology - typical microcalcification of tumour noted in 50% of cases
- chest radiology - for evidence of metastases
- abdominal CT with intravenous contrast - helps to distinguish neuroblastoma from Wilm's tumour
- chest CT should be performed to look for metastases
- isotope bone scan for metastases
Biochemistry:
- urinary excretion of catecholamine metabolites - levels of vanillylmandelic acid, homovanillic acid raised in 75% of cases
- the ratio of a spot VMA concentration to urinary creatinine may be helpful where a 24 hour collection is impractical