Retroperitoneal neuroblastoma metastatic to brain. Report of a case and review of the literature

Brain metastases from extracranial neuroblastoma are rare. They are generally produced by direct extension from metastatic lesions of skull or dura. Very few cases with primary cerebral metastases have been described. We reviewed all autopsy cases of extracranial neuroblastoma at Children's Memorial Hospital in the 12-year period from 1967 to 1978. Of 27 cases in which the brain was examined, 14 had intracranial involvement but only one presented parenchymal metastases in the absence of skull or dural involvement. This case is reported in detail and the literature is reviewed.