Abstract
Background: Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children
under the age of 5 years and, after acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is the second most
prevalent malignancy in childhood. Acute urinary retention is rare in children, especially
due to a neuroblastoma. Objectives: To present the potential complications of a pelvic
neuroblastoma. Case report: A 9-month-old infant presented with urinary retention
that had been attributed in the past to the infant's chronic constipation. She was
catheterized and a large residual of urine was obtained; she was discharged home.
She returned the following day with the same complaint. Plain radiographs suggested
a soft tissue density in the pelvic region with no evidence of constipation. Rectal
examination revealed a mass, and a computed tomography scan showed a large, solid
mass. Pathological examination confirmed a pelvic neuroblastoma, which was resected.
Conclusions: The most common causes of acute urinary retention are urinary tract infections,
lower urinary stones, neurologic processes, trauma, and constipation. A detailed and
focused history and physical examination can be very helpful in diagnosing a pathological
cause of urinary retention, such as a pelvic neuroblastoma.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 05, 2009
Accepted:
April 10,
2009
Received in revised form:
February 21,
2009
Received:
September 29,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
