Colonic obstruction in a child with von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis

A child is reported who developed partial colonic obstruction from an intussuscepting polypoid mass in the transverse colon. A 5 cm plexiform ganglioneurofibroma was found at laparotomy. Examination of the entire gastrointestinal tract revealed no other neurogenic tumors. Gastrointestinal involvement by neurofibromatosis in children is rare; however, children with von Recklinghausen's disease who complain of vague abdominal symptoms should be evaluated for gastrointestinal tumors.