Diffuse neurofibroma of the chest and abdominal wall invading the diaphragm leads to diaphragmatic eventration: case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant condition with a high rate of new mutation and variable expression. Diffuse neurofibroma of the epidermis invading deeper organs is rare.We report a case of diffuse subcutaneous neurofibroma in the thoracoabdominal wall which had invaded the diaphragm and caused diaphragmatic eventration. Case presentation We describe a patient with diffuse neurofibroma of the chest and abdomen who was admitted to the hospital due to sudden abdominal pain and a possible diaphragmatic hernia. We performed thoracotomy and found that the neurofibroma had invaded the diaphragm and caused diaphragmatic eventration. Conclusions This occurrence has not been reported, and it shows that although neurofibromatosis is a benign disease, it still has the biological behavior of a malignant tumor and may cause a serious impact on and damage to other organs.

Keywords

• Diffuse neurofibroma
• Diaphragm
• Diaphragmatic eventration
• Chest wall tumor
• Case report