Refractory dilated cardiomyopathy associated with metastatic neuroblastoma

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010 Oct;55(4):736-8. doi: 10.1002/pbc.22569.

Abstract

A 2-year-old African American male presented with heart failure and an abdominal mass. Computerized tomography (CT) scan revealed a 7 cm adrenal lesion, confirmed as poorly differentiated neuroblastoma (NB). CT and meta-iodobenzoguanidine (MIBG) scans identified multiple metastases, but cardiac MIBG imaging was absent. Cardiac ejection fraction (EF) was 8% with 7% shortening fraction. The patient underwent six cycles of chemotherapy and investigational immunotherapy. Cardiac function improved to 26% EF. However, the tumor proved unresponsive to treatment. The patient died from stage IV congestive heart failure (CHF) and progressive NB. Autopsy confirmed dilated cardiomyopathy with endocardial fibroelastosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / etiology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Endocardial Fibroelastosis / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuroblastoma / complications*
  • Neuroblastoma / secondary