MITIGATING HIGH-RISK COMPLICATIONS: TENSION HEMOTHORAX IN NF-1 PATIENTS UNDERGOING SCOLIOSIS CORRECTION

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aims to report and analyze two cases of tension hemothorax in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) undergoing scoliosis surgery, highlighting the incidence, etiology, and optimal treatment strategies. Methods: We present two detailed cases of tension hemothorax in NF1 patients who underwent scoliosis surgery. Clinical presentations, diagnostic findings, treatment interventions, and outcomes were meticulously documented. A literature review was conducted to contextualize these cases within the broader spectrum of tension hemothorax in NF1 patients undergoing similar surgeries. Results: Both cases involved severe complications requiring immediate surgical interventions. The first patient experienced arterial bleeding necessitating endovascular embolization, while the second patient required open thoracotomy. Postoperative management included intensive monitoring and multidisciplinary care. The literature review supported these findings, indicating that surgical interventions such as chest tube insertion, thoracoscopy, and angiography with endovascular embolization are common in such cases. Conclusion: These cases underscore the critical need for vigilance and prompt intervention in managing tension hemothorax in NF1 patients undergoing scoliosis surgery. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes and improving understanding of this rare but life-threatening complication in this specific surgical context. Level of Evidence IV; Case Report.

Keywords

• Neurofibromatosis 1
• Peripheral Neurofibromatosis
• Hemothorax
• Scoliosis