Unanticipated Compression of the Trachea in a 5-Month-Old Undergoing an MRI for Evaluation of Neurofibromatosis

A A Case Rep. 2017 Jan 1;8(1):1-3. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000000407.

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal-dominant disorder with the tendency toward the formation of tumors. Plexiform neurofibromas are the most common type of tumors seen in neurofibromatosis type 1. Approximately 50% occur in the head and neck region with a 5% incidence of airway involvement. We describe the case of a 5 month old with a plexiform neurofibroma of the neck who developed complete airway obstruction on induction of anesthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a skull base neurofibroma extending to the hypopharynx and resulting in deviation of the airway. Because of the possibility of airway involvement, a careful preanesthetic evaluation as well as a slow induction with the maintenance of spontaneous ventilation should be considered in patients presenting with facial neurofibromas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Airway Obstruction / etiology*
  • Anesthesia, General / adverse effects*
  • Anesthesia, General / methods
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Intubation, Intratracheal
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Neurofibroma, Plexiform / diagnosis*
  • Neurofibroma, Plexiform / genetics
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 / complications
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 / genetics
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / genetics
  • Trachea / physiopathology*