scholarly journals Surgery Combined With Embolization in the Treatment of Plexiform Neurofibroma: A Case Report and Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 01-04
Author(s):  
Reinaldo Filho

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant multisystem genodermatosis resulting from a mutation on chromosome 17q11.2, characterized by diverse clinical expression with involvement of the skin, nervous system, bones, eyes and other systems. Neurofibromas are tumors located along nerve bundles; when they become large, they are called plexiform neurofibromas. Complications of neurofibromas are rare, but include malignant transformation and potentially life-threatening hemorrhages. A comprehensive perioperative management, including arterial embolization of feeding vessels, is required in order to perform a safe surgical procedure and to reduce potential surgical complications. We report a case of a large plexiform neurofibroma on the right flank, treated in a two-stage approach: first, embolization with polyvinyl alcohol particles of the inferior epigastric, lumbar and superior gluteal arteries on the right and, second, 24 hours after embolization, exeresis of the lesion, which weighed 2.5 kg. Two years after surgery, the patient was asymptomatic, without tumor recurrence and with an important improvement in self-esteem and quality of life.

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 218
Author(s):  
Antonella Cacchione ◽  
Alessia Carboni ◽  
Mariachiara Lodi ◽  
Rita De Vito ◽  
Andrea Carai ◽  
...  

We present a case demonstrating the performance of different radiographical imaging modalities in the diagnostic work-up of a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and plexiform neurofibroma (PN). The newborn boy showed an expansive-infiltrative cervical and facial mass presented with macrocrania, craniofacial disfigurement, exophthalmos and glaucoma. A computer tomography (CT) and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed. The CT was fundamental to evaluate the bone dysmorphisms and the MRI was crucial to estimate the mass extension. The biopsy of the lesion confirmed the suspicion of PN, thus allowing the diagnosis of NF1. PN is a variant of neurofibromas, a peripheral nerves sheath tumor typically associated with NF1. Even through currently available improved detection techniques, NF1 diagnosis at birth remains a challenge due to a lack of pathognomonic signs; therefore congenital PN are recognized in 20% of cases. This case highlights the importance of using different radiological methods both for the correct diagnosis and the follow-up of the patient with PN. Thanks to MRI evaluation, it was possible to identify earlier the progressive increasing size of the PN and the possible life threatening evolution in order to perform a tracheostomy to avoid airways compression.


Author(s):  
Emanuele Miraglia ◽  
Teresa Lopez ◽  
Stefano Calvieri ◽  
Sandra Giustini

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Ejerskov ◽  
M. Raundahl ◽  
P. A. Gregersen ◽  
M. M. Handrup

Abstract Background The mosaic form of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is called mosaic NF1 (MNF1). No specific MNF1 follow-up guidelines exist. It is debatable if patients with MNF1 should be clinically examined and undergo follow-up in accordance with the standard NF1 guidelines, as MNF1 patients more often may develop more benign phenotypes and thereby less disease-associated complications including cognitive impairment. We discussed the need for a specific MNF1 follow-up guideline with focus on frequency of plexiform neurofibromas and NF1-associated complications. Method A systematic retrospective data collection in a MNF1 cohort from one of two Danish national centers of NF1 Expertise was completed. Data collected included demographics, clinical features including NF1 diagnostic criteria and NF1-associated complications. Recent literature in the field was reviewed. Results We identified 17 patients with MNF1 with a median age of 37 years [4; 66]. Eleven (65%) were females. Five patients (30%) had a plexiform neurofibroma. The median age at detection of plexiform neurofibroma was 30 years [14; 60]. Nine (53%) had at least one NF1-related complication; scoliosis, hypertension, ADHD, learning disability, language delay, autism and delay in gross and fine motor function development. We reviewed nine articles. In total, 126 cases were described within three case-series. Nineteen (15%) had a plexiform neurofibroma and in total, 23 NF1-associated complications were reported including language delay, learning disability and skeletal abnormalities. Furthermore, from the literature it was evident that the diagnosing of MNF1 varies among physicians and across countries. Conclusion Patients with MNF1 present with plexiform neurofibromas and other NF1-related complications with a frequency requiring that follow-up of MNF1 patients should be in accordance with the standard NF1 guideline in both childhood and adulthood. Physicians should be aware of cognitive impairment as a complication to MNF1. To develop a specific MNF1 follow-up guideline, there is a need for an international consensus on the diagnostic criteria for MNF1 and a follow-up study conducted in a larger MNF1 cohort.


2021 ◽  
pp. 204589402110295
Author(s):  
Hirohisa Taniguchi ◽  
Tomoya Takashima ◽  
Ly Tu ◽  
Raphaël Thuillet ◽  
Asuka Furukawa ◽  
...  

Although precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare but severe complication of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), its association with NF2 remains unknown. Herein, we report a case of a 44-year-old woman who was initially diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and treated with PAH-specific combination therapy. However, a careful assessment for a relevant family history of the disease and genetic testing reveal that this patient had a mutation in the NF2 gene. Using immunofluorescence and Western blotting, we demonstrated a decrease in endothelial NF2 protein in lungs from IPAH patients compared to control lungs, suggesting a potential role of NF2 in PAH development. To our knowledge, this is the first time that precapillary PH has been described in a patient with NF2. The altered endothelial NF2 expression pattern in PAH lungs should stimulate work to better understand how NF2 is contributing to the pulmonary vascular remodeling associated to these severe life-threatening conditions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarantis Blioskas ◽  
Sotiris Sotiriou ◽  
Katerina Rizou ◽  
Triantafyllia Koletsa ◽  
Petros Karkos ◽  
...  

Plexiform neurofibromas are benign tumors that tend to occur in patients suffering from neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). This report addresses a rare case where the tumor affected the parotid gland, deriving almost exclusively from the peripheral portion of the facial nerve. A 6-year-old male was referred to us complaining about a gradually enlarging swelling over the right parotid area. Imaging localized the lesion to the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, suggesting a neurofibroma. Cosmetic disfigurement and a functional deficit led us to perform complete surgical resection. Meticulous surgical dissection as well as auriculotemporal nerve origin made complete extirpation possible with almost zero morbidity and ensured alleviation of both aesthetic impairment and pain. This is the first case of an intraparotid PN in a pediatric NF-1 patient, which originated from branches of the auriculotemporal nerve and particularly from fibers of the autonomic nervous system. Radical surgical excision was decided according to established decision-making algorithms.


Author(s):  
Francisco Javier García-Martínez ◽  
Fernando Alfageme ◽  
Anna Duat-Rodríguez ◽  
Eva María Andrés Esteban ◽  
Angela Hernández-Martín

Abstract Purpose High-frequency ultrasound allows the accurate identification of neurofibromas in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). This study aimed to analyze the ultrasound features of neurofibromas in children with NF1, to establish a classification based on the clinical and sonographic patterns of the different types of neurofibromas, and to evaluate the interobserver correlation coefficient (κ) of this classification. Materials and Methods In this prospective, single referral center observational study, clinical and ultrasound findings of neurofibromas in children diagnosed with NF 1 were analyzed. To identify the ultrasound patterns, a cluster analysis allowing the inclusion of both clinical and ultrasound data was designed. The κ coefficient was calculated using 9 external evaluators. Results 265 ultrasound scans were performed on a total of 242 neurofibromas from 108 children diagnosed with NF1. Cluster analysis allowed the identification of 9 patterns (Snedecorʼs F, P < 0.001) classified as “classic” cutaneous neurofibroma, blue-red neurofibroma, pseudoatrophic neurofibroma, nodular subcutaneous neurofibroma, diffuse subcutaneous neurofibroma, congenital cutaneous neurofibroma, congenital plexiform neurofibroma, congenital diffuse and plexiform neurofibroma, and subfascial neurofibroma. The κ coefficient of the interobserver ratings was 0.82. Conclusion Patterns identified in the cluster analysis allow neurofibromas to be classified with a very high interobserver correlation.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geohana Hamoy-Jimenez ◽  
Hadiya Elahmar ◽  
Meg Mendoza ◽  
Raymond Kim ◽  
Vera Bril ◽  
...  

Abstract Background. There is limited data regarding gender differences in quality of life between women and men with Neurofibromatosis type 1. We aimed to study differences in quality of life domains between women and men with Neurofibromatosis type 1 living in Canada.Methods: This is a cross sectional study of adults with Neurofibromatosis type 1 attending a tertiary NF centre at Toronto General Hospital between January 2016 to December 2017. Demographic and clinical data were collected. We compared scores of generic measures (SF-36, EQ-5D-5L, pain interference) and a disease-specific measure (PedsQL-NF1 module) between women and men. We also assessed the relationship between disease visibility scored by an examiner (Ablon’s visibility index) and self-reported perceived physical appearance, stratified by gender.Results. One hundred and sixty-two participants were enrolled, 92 females and 70 males. Ablon’s index score 1 was in 43% and score 2 in 44%, while only 13% of patients had a score 3. Women had worse scores on the total PedsQL-NF1 scales, and also in the perceived physical appearance, anxiety and emotional health domains. In women, there was a significant association between Ablon’s index and perceived physical appearance, with lower scores with increments in Ablon’s class (ANOVA p<0.001). In men, there was no difference in self-reported physical appearance by Ablon’s index. There were no differences between men and women in the SF-36 or EQ-5D-5L scores.Conclusion. Women with NF1 reported worse NF1-related quality of life than men, with worse perceived physical appearance, anxiety, and mental health. Perceived physical appearance did not always correlate to disease visibility; therefore, healthcare providers should inquire about body image, physical appearance concerns, and mental health, especially among women with NF1.


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