1/5. ganglioneuroma masquerading as spinal pain.OBJECTIVE: To discuss the clinical features of ganglioneuroma and to propose it as a differential diagnosis for a young patient suffering from chronic back pain. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 25-year-old patient suffered from chronic mid-thoracic pain and a history of scoliosis. The physical examination result was unremarkable; thus radiographs were obtained. A posteroanterior and lateral chest radiograph demonstrated a well-defined opacity extending from the region of the left hilum to below the diaphragm. A differential diagnosis of a posterior mediastinal mass was advanced. Computed tomography revealed a homogenous, nonenhancing left posterior mediastinal mass with adjacent posterior rib deformity. Computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy subsequently defined the mass as a ganglioneuroma. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The mass was surgically resected. Although the patient experienced some postsurgical discomfort, she has fared well. CONCLUSION: Twenty percent of mediastinal tumors are neurogenic, and 10% of neurogenic tumors are ganglioneuromas. In spite of the rarity of this tumor, ganglioneuroma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of young patients suffering from back pain. The diagnosis is important to ascertain because surgical resection is curative and can relieve the symptoms.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical examination, physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/5. ganglioneuroblastoma and urticaria by physical agents.A case is reported of ganglioneuroblastoma in a 5-year-old boy, who had urticaria syndrome by physical agents (water, light, cold) in the last 2 years, associated with an apparent splenomegaly. A sonography and a CT scan showed a large cystic mass with calcification near the left kidney. After surgery, it was possible to diagnose left adrenal ganglioneuroblastoma (Evans's first stage). Complete regression of urticaria syndrome was obtained after mass removal.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.35417134469233keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/5. spinal cord and nerve root lesions in children presenting with urinary dysfunction.Three cases of bladder dysfunction as the first indication of tumors involving the spinal cord and sacral nerve roots are presented. The correct diagnosis was delayed in each instance. The relationship of such tumors to bladder dysfunction is discussed and the need for careful history and physical examination is stressed. It is emphasized that neurologic disease may present with urinary dysfunction. Neurological symptoms, physical findings and radiographic abnormalities of the spine should be noted.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1.0708342689385keywords = physical examination, physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/5. Ganglioneuroblastomas of the cervical sympathetic nerve.Although ganglioneuroblastomas occur infrequently in the head and neck area, if they are recognized and completely excised initially, the chances of cure are greatly increased. Two patients are reported who demonstrate some of the more important aspects of diagnosis and treatment. The first patient, whose retropharyngeal tumor was diagnosed when he was 12 years of age, was treated with transoral excisional biopsy. He is alive and tumor-free 3 1/2 years later. The second patient, a 2-year-old , was treated by incisional biopsy without a major resection. He died on year later. The diagnostic evaluation of a patient with suspected neurogenic tumor includes a complete physical examination for distant adenopathy, abdominal masses, hypertension, and neurological impairment. Intraoperatively, neurosurgical and pathological consultation should be available.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical examination, physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/5. Retropharyngeal masses in infants and young children.Six patients are described who illustrate different causes of retropharyngeal mass lesions in infants and young children. Differential diagnosis, clinical history, physical examination, and adequate roentgenographic evaluation of the neck are important.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical examination, physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |