Neuroblastoma is the commonest extracranial malignant tumour in children and neonates.¹ It may involve the vertebral bodies or extend into the spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord, or spread into the retroperitoneal space, involving the lumbosacral plexus. Early diagnosis is important for treatment. We report two cases of congenital neuroblastoma mimicking obstetric related palsies.

Case 1

A 4 month old baby boy with a diagnosis of unilateral leg palsy due to birth trauma, despite normal vaginal delivery, was admitted because of a palpable abdominal mass. The infant’s left leg lacked spontaneous movement, was flaccid, and deep tendon reflexes were absent. He had poor rectal tone and dribbling of urine. The levels of urinary catecholamine derivatives were increased. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a large retroperitoneal mass …