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Updated: May 12, 2026
03:53
An Orthotopic Sciatic Nerve Xenograft for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Neurofibromas
Published on: October 10, 2025
Intercostal aneurysm causing spinal cord compression in an NF1 patient
Varun Puvanesarajah1, Ioan A Lina, Jason A Liauw
1The Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Meyer Bldg 7-109, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287-1000, USA.
Summary
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) can present with intercostal artery aneurysms. This case study details a patient with NF1 who successfully underwent coil embolization for an intercostal aneurysm.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Neuro-oncology
Background:
- Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder associated with various tumors, including neurofibromas.
- Vascular abnormalities are a less common but recognized complication of NF1.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old male with NF1 presented with progressive thoracic back pain and myelopathic symptoms.
- Imaging initially suggested a T4-T5 neurofibroma, but intraoperative findings revealed a T4 intercostal artery aneurysm.
Findings:
- The intercostal artery aneurysm was successfully treated with coil embolization via angiography.
- The patient experienced complete recovery of neurological deficits within 6 months and remained symptom-free at 3 years.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering intercostal artery aneurysms in the differential diagnosis of spinal or thoracic symptoms in NF1 patients.
- Early recognition and endovascular management can lead to favorable outcomes.
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