Managing Pneumothorax in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Report of a Rare Case

Neurofibromatosis is a rare genetic disorder with variable manifestations, primarily involving neural and connective tissues. Although pulmonary complications such as pneumothorax are uncommon, they can significantly impact patient outcomes. We report the case of a 48-year-old male with a 10-year history of neurofibromatosis who presented with acute thoracic pain and dyspnea. Imaging revealed a pneumothorax requiring urgent thoracic drainage. Subsequent surgical exploration via thoracoscopy revealed apical bullae and vascularized adhesions, along with multiple intact cystic formations in the lung parenchyma. Surgical management included apical bullectomy using a mechanical stapler and talc pleurodesis. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful, with complete lung re-expansion confirmed on imaging. This case underscores the importance of tailored surgical intervention in managing rare complications of neurofibromatosis, emphasizing thoracoscopy as a minimally invasive and effective approach.