Segmental neurofibromatosis-induced spinal cord compression. Case report

Spinal segmental neurofibromatosis (NF) is a rare entity. To date, patients in reported cases of segmental NF (or NF5) have harbored neurofibromas involving the peripheral nerves only. The author reports a rare case of segmental NF that caused spinal cord compression in a 40-year-old woman who presented with a 6-month history of intercostal neuralgia. Examination revealed mild lower-extremity weakness and dysesthesia in the right-sided T-9 dermatome. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed three neurofibromas involving the T-9 region, which were excised, and the patient's neuralgic pain was resolved postoperatively. Traditionally, it has been believed that segmental NF involved only the peripheral nerves. The present case illustrates that although rare, spinal cord compression can also occur in patients with segmental NF.