[White hemithorax in a young women carrying coffee and milk spots]

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) or Von Recklinghausen disease is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with multivisceral manifestations. We report the case of a spontaneous haemothorax in a young lady wearing this genetic pathology.

A 31-year-old woman with kyphoscoliosis developed acute chest pain and dyspnea. The physical examination revealed a right pleuritic syndrome, coffee and milk spots and neurofibromas of the trunk. Biological assessment showed anemia at 6.4g/dl. Chest x-ray revealed a right side opacification. The pleural puncture showed an incoagulable hemorrhagic fluid. The chest CT scan showed no vascular abnormalities. The diagnosis of spontaneous haemothorax, revealing NF1, was retained. Transfusion and thoracic drainage were performed followed by haemostasis surgery. Pleural exploration showed pleural hematoma with regard to the 5th intercostal space. Electrocoagulation and declogging were performed. The evolution of the patient was favorable.

Haemothorax is a rare and serious complication which may reveal NF1. It must be suspected when sudden and spontaneous white haemithorax occurs in NF1.