Preoperative Embolization of a Giant Neurofibroma of the Chest in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type II: A Case Report

Abstract

Giant plexiform neurofibromas, which are rare in patients with neurofibromatosis type II (NFII), are difficult to manage surgically, as they are extensively infiltrative and highly vascularized. Preoperative embolization is performed to reduce intraoperative blood loss and operative time, increase resectability of lesions, and improve visualization of the operative field during surgery of hypervascular tumors such as renal cell carcinoma and intracranial meningioma. Preoperative intravascular embolization of a giant chest wall neurofibroma has not been reported in the English literature. We report successful treatment of a giant chest wall neurofibroma in a 45-year-old male with NFII by preoperative intravascular embolization followed by surgical resection.

Keywords

• neurofibromatosis
• plexiform neurofibroma
• chest wall
• embolization