Linfangioma mesentérico en la edad pediátrica / Mesenteric Lynphangioma in the pediatric ages

Resumen Introducción: Dentro del espectro de las malformaciones congénitas con las cuales debe lidiar un cirujano pediatra, los tumores y malformaciones vasculares representan un grupo especial de entidades que continúan actualmente en estudio. Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicoquirúrgicas de una serie de dos casos con malformaciones de origen linfático. Presentacion de casos: Dos pacientes con edades pediátricas, 12 y 4 años, respectivamente, ingresaron en servicio de urgencia con signos de oclusión intestinal y lesiones tumorales quísticas abdominales que requirieron tratamiento quirúrgico con modalidades de técnicas quirúrgicas diferentes. La evolución final fue satisfactoria. Conclusión: Los linfagiomas intestinales forman parte de la gama de presentaciones clínicas de las malformaciones de origen linfático, con una incidencia baja pero que, dada su localización y síntomas, pueden requerir tratamiento quirúrgico de urgencia. Su evolución y resolución es satisfactoria, debido al bajo índice de recidiva tras la exéresis completa(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Within the range of congenital malfomations that surgeons have to deal with, vascular tumors and malformations represent an special group of entities that are still under study. Objective: To determine the clinical-surgical characteristics of a series of two cases with congenital malformations of lymphatic origin. Cases presentation: Two patients of 12 and 4 years old respectively that were admitted in the Emergencies services in the Clinical-Surgical Hospital of Guayaquil, Ecuador, with manifestations of intestinal obstruction and abdominal cystic tumoral lesions that required surgical treatments with different techniques. Final evolution was satisfactory. Conclusion: Intestinal lymphoangiomas are part of the kinds of clinical presentations of lymphatic origin´s malformations. These have a low incidence but due to their localization and symptoms can require emergency surgical treatment. Their evolution and resolution is satisfactory due to the low index of recidive after complete exeresis(AU)

Angiomixoma agresivo postrasplante renal / Aggresive angiomyxoma after renal transplantation

La condición de inmunosuprimido aumenta el riesgo de cáncer en trasplantados renales, en comparación a la población general. La mejor supervivencia de esta población en los últimos años ha convertido a las neoplasias y a la enfermedad cardiovascular en las principales causas de morbi-mortalidad. Presentamos el caso de un paciente trasplantado renal que desarrolló cuatro años después del trasplante una forma inusual de tumor mesenquimatoso, el angiomixoma agresivo, que requirió resección quirúrgica amplia.

The condition of immunosuppressed increases the risk of cancer in kidney transplant patients, as compared to the general population. The best survival of inmunosupressed patients in recent years has turned both neoplasms and cardiovascular diseases into the main causes of morbidity and mortality. We present the case of a renal transplanted patient who developed an unusual form of mesenchymal tumor such as the aggressive angiomyxoma, four years after the implant and requiring wide surgical resection.

Malignant transformation of abdominal wall endometriosis to clear cell carcinoma: case report

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Malignant transformation of endometriosis in the abdominal wall is a rare and still poorly understood event. Less than 30 cases have been reported in the worldwide literature. Most cases of solid tumors are report in a previous abdominal scar with malignant transformation of a focus of endometriosis. Presence of lymph node metastases in nearby chains is frequent and is associated with poor prognosis. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 42-year-old woman with a history of abdominal surgery (Pfannenstiel) to resect abdominal wall endometriosis. Physical examination revealed a solid mass of approximately 10 cm x 6 cm in the anterior wall of the abdomen. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis showed a heterogeneous, predominantly hypoattenuating expansive formation measuring 10.6 cm x 4.7 cm x 8.3 cm. The patient underwent exploratory incisional laparotomy, block resection of the abdominal mass and lymphadenectomy of the external and inguinal iliac chains. The abdominal wall was reconstructed using a semi-absorbable tissue-separating screen to reconstitute the defect caused by resection of the tumor. Histological evaluation revealed infiltration by malignant epithelioid neoplasia, thus confirming the immunohistochemical profile of adenocarcinoma with clear cell components. Lymphadenectomy showed metastatic involvement of an external iliac chain lymph node. CONCLUSION: Resection of the mass along with the abdominal wall, with wall margins, is the most effective treatment. Reconstruction is a challenge for surgeons. The patient has been followed up postoperatively for eight months, without any evidence of disease to date.

Anesthetic management of an infant with giant abdominal neuroblastoma / Manejo anestésico de criança com neuroblastoma abdominal gigante

Abstract Neuroblastoma is the most common, non-central nervous system tumor of childhood. It has the potential to synthesize catecholamines. However, the presences of hypertension are uncommon. We report the perioperative management of a 15-month-old infant with giant abdominal neuroblastoma who presented severe hypertension. The pathophysiological alterations of neuroblastoma are reviewed and perioperative management presented.

Resumo Neuroblastoma é o tumor mais comum do sistema nervoso não central na infância. Esse tumor tem o potencial de sintetizar catecolaminas; entretanto, a presença de hipertensão é rara. Relatamos o manejo perioperatório de uma criança de cinco meses com neuroblastoma abdominal gigante que apresentou hipertensão grave. As alterações fisiopatológicas do neuroblastoma foram revistas e o manejo perioperatório é apresentado.

Cutaneous metastasis of unknown primary presenting as massive and invasive abdominal lesion: an elective approach

Abstract: We describe herein what is to our knowledge the first reported case of an invasive cutaneous metastasis with unknown primary, electively treated solely with electrochemotherapy. We describe a female patient with a large, invasive and painful lesion in her hypogastric region, extending up to the pubic area. The cutaneous biopsy and instrumental and laboratory analyses, all failed to reveal the primary site. A final diagnosis of cutaneous metastasis with unknown primary was made and treatment was performed with electrochemotherapy. Our case highlights the importance of interdisciplinary choices in clinical practice to cope with the lack of a primary site and to improve quality of life, since no standardized therapy exists for these classes of patients.

Extraspinal Incidental Findings on Routine MRI of Lumbar Spine: Prevalence and Reporting Rates in 1278 Patients

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and reporting rate of incidental findings (IF) in adult outpatients undergoing lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Re-evaluation of a total of 1278 lumbar MRI images (collected from patients with a mean age of 50.5 years, range 16-91 years) captured between August 2010-August 2011 was done by a neuroradiologist and a musculoskeletal radiologist. IFs were classified according to organ or system (liver, gallbladder, kidney, bladder, uterus, ovary, lymph node, intestine and aorta). The rate of reporting of a range of IF was examined. The outcome of each patient's treatment was evaluated based on review of hospital records and by telephone interviews. RESULTS: A total of 253 IFs were found in 241 patients (18.8% of 1278). Among these, clinically significant IFs (n = 34) included: 2 renal masses (0.15%), 2 aortic aneurysms (0.15%), 2 cases of hydronephrosis (0.15%), 11 adrenal masses (0.86%), 7 lymphadenopathies (0.55%), 6 cases of endometrial or cervical thickening (0.47%), 1 liver hemangioma (0.08%), 1 pelvic fluid (0.08%) and 2 ovarian dermoid cysts (0.15%). Overall, 28% (71/253) of IFs were included in the clinical reports, while clinically significant findings were reported in 41% (14/34) of cases. CONCLUSION: Extraspinal IFs are commonly detected during a routine lumbar MRI, and many of these findings are not clinically significant. However, IFs including clinically important findings are occasionally omitted from formal radiological reports.

Endometriose profunda infiltrativa: distribuição anatômica e tratamento cirúrgico / Deep infiltrating endometriosis: anatomical distribution and surgical treatment

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a distribuição anatômica das lesões de endometriose profunda infiltrativa (EPI) em uma amostra de mulheres do Sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi conduzida uma análise prospectiva das mulheres submetidas a tratamento cirúrgico de EPI durante o período entre janeiro de 2010 e janeiro de 2012. As lesões foram classificadas em oito localizações principais, da menos para a mais grave: ligamento redondo, serosa uterina anterior/reflexão peritonial vesicouterina, ligamento uterossacro, região retrocervical, vagina, bexiga, intestino e ureter. O número e a localização das lesões de EPI foram estudados para cada paciente de acordo com os critérios acima e, também, de acordo com o acometimento isolado ou múltiplo. A análise estatística foi conduzida com o programa Statistica versão 8.0. Os valores p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. RESULTADOS: Durante o período de estudo, um total de 143 mulheres apresentaram 577 lesões de EPI: ligamento uterossacro (n=239; 41,4%), retrocervical (n=91; 15,7%), vagina (n=50; 8,7%), ligamento redondo (n=50; 8,7%), septo vesicouterino (n=41; 7,1%), bexiga (n=12; 2,1%), intestino (n=83; 14,4%), ureter (n=11; 1,9%). Doença multifocal foi observada na maioria das pacientes (p<0,0001), sendo que o número médio de lesões por paciente foi de 4. Endometrioma foi identificado em 57 mulheres (39,9%). Sessenta e cinco pacientes (45,4%) apresentaram infiltração intestinal comprovada histologicamente, totalizando 83 lesões assim distribuídas: apêndice (n=7), ceco (n=1) e retossigmoide (n=75). O número médio de lesões intestinais por paciente foi de 1,3. CONCLUSÕES: a EPI tem um padrão de distribuição multifocal, o que tem importância fundamental quando se define o tratamento cirúrgico completo da doença.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anatomical distribution of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) lesions in a sample of women from the South of Brazil. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on women undergoing surgical treatment for DIE from January 2010 to January 2012. The lesions were classified according to eight main locations, from least serious to worst: round ligament, anterior uterine serosa/vesicouterine peitoneal reflection, utero-sacral ligament, retrocervical area, vagina, bladder, intestine, ureter. The number and location of the DIE lesions were studied for each patient according to the above-mentioned criteria and also according to uni- or multifocality. The statistical analysis was performed using Statistica version 8.0. The values p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 143 women presented 577 DIE lesions: uterosacral ligament (n=239; 41.4%), retrocervical (n=91; 15.7%), vagina (n=50; 8.7%), round ligament (n=50; 8,7%), vesico-uterine septum (n=41; 7.1%), bladder (n=12; 2.1%), and intestine (n=83; 14.4%), ureter (n=11; 1.9%). Multifocal disease was observed in the majority of patients (p<0.0001), and the mean number of DIE lesions per patient was 4. Ovarian endometrioma was present in 57 women (39.9%). Sixty-five patients (45.4%) presented intestinal infiltration on histological examination. A total of 83 DIE intestinal lesions were distributed as follows: appendix (n=7), cecum (n=1) and rectosigmoid (n=75). The mean number of intestinal lesions per patient was 1.3. CONCLUSIONS: DIE has a multifocal pattern of distribution, a fact of fundamental importance for the definition of the complete surgical treatment of the disease.

Linfangioma abdominal: caso clínico / Abdominal lymphangioma: clinical case

Abdominal lymphangioma is a rare benign congenital malformation of the mesenteric and/or retroperitoneal lymphatics, more frequent in pediatrics. Objective: To report a case with unusual clinical presentation of lymphangioma. Clinical Case: A two-year old boy previously health who presented with abdominal pain, lipothymia, and generalized pallor ensuing an abdominal massage. Abnormal findings included an abdominal mass and Ht of 17.3 percent. Sonogram showed a large retroperitoneal mass with anechogenic areas and vasculari-zed septi. CT scans showed similar results. Surgical removal and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Discusion: Abdominal lymphangioma is uncommon in children, presentation varies from asymptomatic to acute abdomen. Images are essential in diagnosis and pre-op studies.

El linfangioma abdominal es una patología poco frecuente, benigna que corresponde a una malformación congénita del desarrollo linfático mesentérico y/o retroperitoneal. Es más frecuente en población infantil. Objetivo: Reportar un caso con presentación atípica de linfangioma. Caso clínico: Paciente de 2 años varón, previamente sano, que se presenta con dolor abdominal, luego lipotimia y palidez generalizada tras recibir un masaje abdominal. Al examen físico se encontró una masa abdominal, sin hepatomegalia, esplenomegalia ni adenopatías palpables. Presentaba un hematocrito de 17,3 por ciento. La Ecografía mostró una gran masa retrope-ritoneal con áreas anecogénicas y septos vascularizados. La TAC mostró hallazgos similares: masa quísti-ca, lobulada probablemente determinada por linfangioma abdominal. Se realizó extirpación quirúrgica y la biopsia confirma el diagnóstico. Discusión: El linfangioma abdominal es una patología infrecuente en niños. La presentación clínica es variable, puede ser desde asintomático hasta presentarse con abdomen agudo. Se requiere estudio imagenológico para su evaluación preoperatoria. La ecografía y TAC tienen un importante rol diagnóstico, en localización, tamaño, anatomía circundante y posibles complicaciones.

Abdominal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: report on four cases and review of literature

The Abdominal Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor [AIMT] is a rare tumor with unknown etiology which usually occurs in children and adolescents. It is composed of myofibroblastic spindle cells intermixed with inflammatory cells. We present four cases of AIMT. We herein present four cases of AIMT in different ages [range: 3.5 to 13 years] and in different organs [stomach, periduodenal, mesenteric, and colon]. There were two females and two males. The main symptoms were abdominal pain/mass/obstruction, vomiting, and weight loss. In all four patients, diagnosis was made by laparatomy and pathologic examination of excised mass lesion. Three patients underwent complete excision and no residual disease was present, one patient received chemotherapy due to tumor recurrences. The patients were followed up in average for four years. As the imaging and laboratory tests are non-specific, the diagnosis of AIMT is rarely made before surgery. AIMT should, therefore, be considered when a mass arises in an unusual location in the pediatric age group. Complete surgical resection should be performed whenever possible and the child should be kept on long-term follow-up

Desmoid tumor in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis / Tumor desmóide em pacientes com polipose adenomatosa familiar

CONTEXT: Desmoid tumors constitute one of the most important extraintestinal manifestations of familial adenomatous polyposis. The development of desmoids is responsible for increasing morbidity and mortality rates in cases of familial adenomatous polyposis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the occurrence of desmoid tumors in familial adenomatous polyposis cases following prophylactic colectomy and to present patient outcome. METHODS: Between 1984 and 2008, 68 patients underwent colectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis at the School of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, University of Campinas, SP, Brazil. Desmoid tumors were found in nine (13.2 percent) of these patients, who were studied retrospectively by consulting their medical charts with respect to clinical and surgical data. RESULTS: Of nine patients, seven (77.8 percent) were submitted to laparotomy for tumor resection. Median age at the time of surgery was 33.9 years (range 22-51 years). Desmoid tumors were found in the abdominal wall in 3/9 cases (33.3 percent) and in an intra-abdominal site in the remaining six cases (66.7 percent). Median time elapsed between ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and diagnosis of desmoid tumor was 37.5 months (range 14-60 months), while the median time between colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and diagnosis was 63.7 months (range 25-116 months). In 6/9 (66.7 percent) patients with desmoid tumors, the disease was either under control or there was no evidence of tumor recurrence at a follow-up visit made a mean of 63.1 months later (range 12-240 months). CONCLUSIONS: Desmoid tumors were found in 13.2 percent of cases of familial adenomatous polyposis following colectomy; therefore, familial adenomatous polyposis patients should be followed-up and surveillance should include abdominal examination to detect signs and symptoms. Treatment options include surgery and clinical management with antiestrogens, antiinflammatory drugs or chemotherapy.

CONTEXTO: Os tumores desmóides representam uma das manifestações extraintestinais mais importantes na síndrome da polipose adenomatosa familiar. O aparecimento desta neoplasia está relacionada ao aumento da morbimortalidade nos doentes com polipose adenomatosa familiar. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a ocorrência dos tumores desmóides nos casos de polipose adenomatosa familiar submetidos a colectomia profilática e avaliar o seguimento em ambulatório. MÉTODOS: Entre 1984 e 2008, 68 pacientes foram submetidos a colectomia por polipose adenomatosa familiar no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade de Campinas, SP. Os tumores desmóides ocorreram em nove pacientes (13.2 por cento), que foram estudados retrospectivamente, por meio da análise de prontuários, buscando dados clínicos e cirúrgicos. RESULTADOS: Dos nove pacientes, sete (77,8 por cento) foram submetidos a laparotomia para ressecção do tumor. A média de idade no momento da cirurgia foi de 33,9 anos (variando 22-51 anos). Os tumores desmóides da parede abdominal ocorreram em 3/9 casos (33.3 por cento) e os intra-abdominais em seis casos (66,7 por cento). O tempo médio entre a cirurgia do reservatório ileal e o diagnóstico do tumor desmóide foi de 37,5 meses (variando 14-60 meses), enquanto o tempo médio entre a cirurgia de colectomia com anastomose íleorretal e o diagnóstico foi de 63,7 meses (variando 25-116 meses). Em 6/9 (66,7 por cento) pacientes com tumor desmóide, a doença estava controlada ou não havia evidência de recidiva do tumor em 63,1 meses (variando de 12 a 240 meses) de tempo médio de seguimento. CONCLUSÃO: Os tumores desmóides ocorreram em 13,2 por cento dos casos de polipose adenomatosa familiar após a cirurgia do cólon; desta maneira, os pacientes com polipose adenomatosa familiar devem manter seguimento em ambulatório e o rastreamento deve incluir o exame abdominal minucioso a fim de identificar sinais e sintomas que possam conduzir ao diagnóstico de tumor desmóide. As opções de tratamento incluem cirurgia e manejo clínico com antiestrogênios, anti-inflamatórios ou quimioterapia.

Tumor desmoplásico de pequenas células redondas abdominal da infância: relato de caso / Abdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumor of childhood: case report

O tumor desmoplásico de pequenas células redondas (TDPCR) é uma neoplasia rara e altamente agressiva, que afeta predominantemente jovens do sexo masculino. Relata-se um caso de TDPCR em um paciente do sexo masculino, de 11 anos, com acometimento intra-abdominal marcado por volumosa massa retroperitoneal em hipocôndrio esquerdo. O estudo histológico da massa revelou presença de blocos de pequenas células tumorais redondas e azuis, envoltas por estroma desmoplásico; a análise imuno-histoquímica evidenciou positividade para desmina, WT-1 e citoceratinas. Após o diagnóstico, o paciente foi submetido a tratamento quimiorradioterápico, tendo evoluído a óbito durante o 24º mês de acompanhamento.

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare and highly aggressive neoplasm, which predominantly affects young males. We report a case of DSRCT affecting an 11-year-old male patient, with intra-abdominal involvement characterized by a large retroperitoneal mass in left hypochondrium. Histological examination of the mass showed the presence of clusters of small blue round tumor cells surrounded by a dense desmoplastic stroma. Immunohistochemical analysis disclosed a positive reaction to desmin, WT-1 and cytokeratins. After diagnosis, the patient underwent chemo radiotherapy treatment, but died at the 24th month of follow-up.

Omental caking: a rare manifestation of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour [MPNST] is a very rare tumour with an incidence of one per 100,000 and constitutes between 3 to 10% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Most of the sarcoma involve the extremities and retroperitoneal regions. However, this case presented with mass in left inguinal region and then spread rapidly to omentum, assuming the appearance of an omental cake. Mass responded well to chemotherapy comprising of Ifosfamide and Doxorubicin

Masa abdomino pélvica gigante: reporte de un caso / Abdomino pelvic mass giant: a case report

Los tumores benignos de ovario son mas comunes en pacientes jóvenes en edad reproductiva a diferencia de la mayor parte de las neoplasias malignas de ovario que se presentan en pacientes de mas edad. Las masas anexiales benignas son unilaterales, pueden llegar a alcanzar grandes tamaños y generan poca sintomatología a las pacientes...

Tumor desmoplasico intrabdominal de celulas pequeñas redondas: hallazgos en imágenes y anatomía patológica: [revisión] / Intra-abdominal desmoplastic small round-cell tumor: radiological and histopathologic findings: [review]

Abdominal desmoplastic small round-cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm characterized by a consistent histological appearance, a unique immunohistochemicalprofile, and a specific chromosomal translocation. Fewer than 200 cases have been reported in the literature. Most tumors afflicts mainly adolescent or young adult males. They present as bulky abdominal or pelvic masses that diffusely spread along the peritoneal surface. We report one case of intra-abdominal desmoplastic small round-cell tumor in a 22 year old man. Imaging and histopathologic findings are described. CT images showed a bulky pelvic mass with peritoneal involvement. Immunohistochemically, the tumor showed positivity for desmin, vimentin, and specific CAM 5.2 antigen. The differential diagnosis is discussed in relation to radiological findings, and a review of the literature data is performed.

El tumor desmoplásico abdominal de células redondas pequeñas es una neoplasia muy rara y agresiva, que se caracteriza por su apariencia histológica, su perfil inmunohistoquímico y una traslocación cromosómica específica. Se han descrito menos de 200 casos en la literatura. La mayoría de estos tumores aparece en varones adolescentes o adultos jóvenes, como una masa abdominal o pélvica que se extiende de forma difusa por la superficie peritoneal. Presentamos un caso de tumor intrabdominal desmoplásico de células redondas pequeñas en un varón de 22 años. Describimos los hallazgos imaginológicos e histopatológicos. La tomografía computada muestra una masa pélvica, voluminosa, con diseminación peritoneal. Inmonohistoquímicamente el tumor muestra positividad para la desmina, vimentina y fenotipo CAM 5.2 característico. Se analiza el diagnóstico diferencial en relación con los hallazgos radiológicos y se efectúa una revisión de la literatura.

Aspergilosis abdominal / Abdominal aspergillosis

Se presenta un paciente que fue explorado quirúrgicamente por presentar un tumor del retroperitoneo sugiriendo un aspergiloma abdominal. Esta patología ha aumentado en las últimas décadaas y puede ocurrir en pacientes con HIV infectados, en inmuno-deprimidos con quimioterapia, aquellos con transplantes de hígado, en los transplantados de médula ósea, en enfermos con alteraciones hematológicas malignas, en los transplantados de pulmón y en los transplantados cardíacos. La aspergilosis invasora se asocia con una elevada mortalidad a pesar de un adecuado y oportuno tratamiento.

Valor de la biopsia aspirativa con aguja fina para el diagnóstico de tumores intraabdominales e intratorácicos / Value of fine-needle aspiration biopsy for the diagnosis of intrathoracic and intraabdominal tumors

Introducción. La biopsia aspirativa con aguja fina permite el diagnóstico de enfermedades tan graves como el cáncer en la infancia, en un breve período de tiempo y con gran exactitud. El método se ha establecido como una técnica rápida, efectiva y económica en la biopsia de tumores de cavidades como la abdominal y la torácica. El objetivo de esta investigación fue comprobar la aplicación y validez del método diagnóstico en los tumores intratorácicos e intraabdominales en la infancia. Métodos. En el Hospital Pediátrico ®William Soler¼, se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de las citologías aspirativas realizadas en tumores intratorácicos e intraabdominales entre enero de 1999 y diciembre de 2005. En todas se realizó la técnica de biopsia por aspiración preconizada en Estocolmo y se utilizó también la técnica de citopunción. Resultados. El abdomen fue la región más frecuente, en particular, el riñón. Veinte citologías fueron negativas de malignidad (17,6 por ciento) y 65, positivas (57,5 por ciento). Existió una buena correlación citohistológica positiva. La sensibilidad fue del 96,1 por ciento; el valor predictivo positivo, del 94,9 por ciento y la eficiencia, del 92,8 por ciento. Conclusiones. La biopsia con aguja fina es un método eficaz para el diagnóstico de los tumores intraabdominales e intratorácicos en la infancia. Tiene gran valor diagnóstico para cirujanos, pediatras y oncólogos, y permite planificar de manera eficaz la conducta ulterior ante cada paciente.

Introduction. Fine needle aspiration biopsy allows the diagnosis of diseases as severe as cancer in childhood in a short period of time, and with great accuracy. This method has been established as a rapid, effective and economic technique in the biopsy of tumours of cavities such as the abdominal and the thoracic. The objective of this research was to check the application and validity of the diagnostic method in intrathoracic and intraabdominal tumours in children. Methods: A retrospective study of the aspiration cytologies performed in intrathoracic and intraabdominal tumours at William Soler Teaching Children Hospital from January 1999 to December 2005 was conducted . In all of them the aspiration biopsy technique recommended in Stockholm was used, and the cytopuncture technique was also applied. Results. The abdomen was the most frequent region and, in particular, the kidney. Twenty cytologies yielded negative (17.6 percent), and 65 positive (57.5 percent). There was a good positive cytohistologic correlation. Sensivity was 96.1 percent; positive predictive value, 94.9 percent; and efficiency, 92.8 percent. Conclusions. Fine needle biopsy is an effective method for the diagnosis of intraabdominal and intrathoracic tumours in children. It has a great diagnostic value for surgeons, pediatricians and oncologists, and it also allows to plan in a efficient way the conduct to be followed with each patient.