Plexiform neurofibroma (rankenneurofibrom) of the cauda equina

Abstract

The clinical and neuroradiological findings in a rare case of plexiform neurofibroma with bone scintigraphy, myelography and selective spinal angiography are described. The difficulties with the preoperative differential diagnosis from other intraspinal space occupying lesions are discussed and the importance of intraoperative biopsy and electrical stimulation is stressed.

Plexiform Neurofibroma of the Cauda Equina: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Plexiform neurofibromas of the cauda equina are extremely rare tumors, with only 5 cases reported in the literature. [3][4][5][6][7] The ages of the affected patients ranged from 4 to 68 years. The neoplasm was a malignant plexiform neurofibroma in only 1 adult patient.…”

“…They were noted in 2 of the reported cases, 6,7 while thickened elongated nerves were noted in the remaining patients. [3][4][5] In peripheral nerves, plexiform neurofibromas have been associated with macroscopic appearance of thickened elongated nerves. In the present case, besides the typical immunophenotype, the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 was found to be expressed in neoplastic cells.…”

“…Only 5 cases have been reported in the literature, and none were associated with neurofibromatosis. [3][4][5][6][7] Herein, we report another case of plexiform neurofibroma in the cauda equina in a patient without neurofibromatosis.…”