Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the most frequent solid tumors in childhood, rarely recurrent after five years from diagnosis. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a major pathogen causing congenital birth defects and severe opportunistic diseases, has been shown to have teratogenic, immunodepressive and oncogenic properties. The case of a girl with stage 4S neuroblastoma diagnosed at three months and relapsed as stage 4 live years later is reported. In both circumstances, active CMV infection was revealed by positive CMV-specific IgM and IgA antibodies, CMV-DNAemia and CMV culture. At three months, the patient presented with subcutaneous nodules, hepatosplenomegaly and increased aminotransferase levels, and the opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome. Mental retardation developed later on. At 5 years, relapsed neuroblastoma was preceded by a mononucleosis-like syndrome concomitant with active CMV infection and decreased levels of immune cells and natural killer activity. Clinical, virologic, and immunologic findings suggest an immune-mediated pathogenic role for CMV in this tumor.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 200-203 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Medical and Pediatric Oncology |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1995 |
Keywords
- cell-mediated immunity
- childhood
- cytomegalovirus
- Kinsbourne's syndrome
- neuroblastoma
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Oncology
- Cancer Research