Retroperitoneal neuroglial heterotopia in infancy: case report and review of literature

TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of neuroglial tissue found in an infant's abdomen, confirmed through surgery and lab tests.

Contribution

The study presents a rare case of retroperitoneal neuroglial heterotopia in an infant, expanding the known clinical spectrum of this condition.

Findings

An infant presented with a retroperitoneal tumor confirmed as neuroglial heterotopia.

Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis.

This case expands the understanding of rare NH locations in infants.

Abstract

Neuroglial heterotopia (NH) is a rare entity which is composed of displaced masses of mature central neuroepithelial tissue manifesting in locations unconnected to the brain and spinal cord. NH is reported in the head and neck region, most commonly in the nose and nasopharynx, but some other rare sites, such as lung, extremities, and skin are also reported. NH presenting in the retroperitoneum and during infancy is extremely rare. We present a case of an infant who presented with lump abdomen and respiratory tract infection. Imaging revealed a large retroperitoneal tumour, which was safely excised. Histopathology revealed features of NH which was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

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