[A case of multiple extracranial vertebral artery aneurysms associated with neurofibromatosis]

An unusual case of multiple aneurysms of the extracranial vertebral artery associated with neurofibromatosis is presented. A 48-year-old woman, complaining of weakness and numbness of the left upper extremity, was admitted to our hospital on July 27, 1987. She had undergone the removal of a left internal thoracic artery aneurysm due to hemothorax on June 12, 1987. On the next day, the symptoms of the left upper extremity appeared. On admission, general physical examination showed multiple cafe-au-lait spots on her body and cervicothoracic scoliosis. Neurological examination revealed left C5, 6 radiculopathy. Cervical CT scans showed enhanced masses at the transverse foramina. Left subclavian angiography demonstrated multiple extracranial vertebral artery aneurysms from the origin of the vertebral artery to the C4 level. This case was treated by proximal and distal ligation of the aneurysms. Postoperative right and left angiograms revealed no aneurysms filled with contrast materials. The weakness and numbness of the left upper extremity disappeared gradually after the operation.