The course of neurofibromatosis type 1 on immunosuppression after lung transplantation: report of 2 cases

J Heart Lung Transplant. 2004 Jun;23(6):774-6. doi: 10.1016/s1053-2498(03)00265-1.

Abstract

We describe 2 patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who underwent lung transplantation. Case 1 reports a patient with NF1 with no complications 5 years after bilateral lung transplantation. Case 2 details a patient with NF1 diagnosed with both post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) and massive intra-abdominal sarcoma consistent with a malignant nerve sheath tumor 9 months after lung transplantation. There was no clinical evidence of sarcoma preceding or immediately following lung transplant as demonstrated by a normal abdominal sonogram 3 months post-transplantation. Although an increased risk for cancer has been documented in NF1, the rapid malignant degeneration of a neurofibroma following transplantation raises concern about immunosuppression and transplantation candidacy among individuals with NF1.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Lung Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 / complications*
  • Sarcoma / etiology*