Segmental neurofibromatosis-induced spinal cord compression - Case report

Spinal segmental neurofibromatosis (NF) is a rare entity. To date, patients in reported cases of se-mental NF (or NF5) have harbored neurofibromas inv olving the peripheral nerves only. The author reports a rare case of segmen tal NF that caused spinal cord compression in a 40-year-old woman who prese nted with a 6-month history of intercostal neuralgia. Examination revealed mild lower-extremity weakness and dysesthesia in the ri-ht-sided T-9 dermat ome. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed three neurofibromas involving the T-9 region, which were excised, and the patient's neuralgic pain was resolv ed postoperatively. Traditionally, it has been believed that segmental NF i nvolved only the peripheral nerves. The present case illustrates that altho ugh rare, spinal cord compression can also occur in patients with segmental NF.