Melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy: CT and MR findings.

BACKGROUND: Melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy (MNTI) is a rare neoplasm of neural crest origin.

OBJECTIVE: To describe three further cases of MNTI, with emphasis on CT and MRI findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data for children with histologically confirmed MNTI following biopsy or surgery were retrieved. Three children with available imaging at the time of diagnosis were included in the study.

RESULTS: All three children had primary tumour in the head and neck region: one in the maxilla, one in the occipital bone (extra-axial but with intracranial extension) and one with an unusual tumour growing exophytically from the subcutaneous tissues adjacent to the occipital bone. All tumours were iso/hypointense both on T1- and T2-weighted MRI, and showed marked contrast enhancement in their non-ossified components. CT allowed identification of bone destruction and remodelling.

CONCLUSION: Our findings are consistent with previously reported cases of MNTI regarding age at presentation and location in the head and neck region. Our MR findings did not demonstrate the typical pattern of T1-shortening expected from melanin deposition.