Work

A rare coincidence of intrarenal Wilms tumor with spina bifida: a case report and review of the literature

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Children with congenital anomalies are at increased risk of childhood malignancies. Among these, children with nervous system and urinary system anomalies have the highest incidence rate of cancer. This is a report of an intrarenal Wilm's tumor in a patient with spina bifida. A 4-month-old male baby with a repaired lumbosacral myelomeningocele presented with right flank swelling. At presentation, a firm, slightly mobile, and nontender right flank mass was noted. Abdominopelvic ultrasound performed at a neonatal age revealed an 8 mm right renal cyst at the lower pole without septa or mural nodules. Magnetic resonance imaging performed at his recent presentation was suggestive of Wilm's tumor. The histopathology revealed cystic, partially differentiated nephroblastoma with negative lymph nodes. It's a SIOP stage 1 low-risk tumor that doesn't deserve adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. He has been on follow-up for over a year, and no evidence of local recurrence or metastatic growth. Wilms' tumor is the commonest renal tumor of childhood, commonly seen in preschool children. Though it usually happens sporadically, some chromosomal anomalies are known to be associated with it. Patients with congenital anomalies, including spina bifida, are known to have an increased risk of Wilm's tumor. Hence, they need a thorough investigation whenever a visceral lesion is found incidentally, even if they are asymptomatic. An intrarenal Wilms tumor can appear synchronously with spina bifida, and a high index of suspicion should be maintained to rule out malignancy when we encounter a young patient with spinal dysraphism and a visceral lesion. • Children with associated congenital anomalies are at increased risk of malignancy. • A high index of suspicion should be maintained to rule out malignancy whenever we encounter renal lesions, in a patient with congenital anomalies, even if it doesn’t show typical sonographic and clinical features. • Wilm’s tumor isn’t uncommon and it should be considered in children who present with renal mass even at the early infantile age.

Source: International Journal of Surgery Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2025.112043

Authors: Abay Gosaye, Wassie Almaw Yigzaw

Institution: Addis Ababa University

Language: English

Topic: Renal and related cancers

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,090