Spontaneous hemorrhage simulating rapid growth of a benign subperiosteal plexiform neurofibroma

Authors: Blitman, Netta; Levsky, Jeffrey; Villanueva-Siles, Esperanza; Thornhill, Beverly

Source: Pediatric Radiology, Volume 37, Number 9, September 2007 , pp. 925-928(4)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Spontaneous subperiosteal hemorrhage is a rare complication of von Recklinghausen's disease. There are few reports describing the MR imaging characteristics of this entity. Our case is unique among these as an underlying plexiform neurofibroma was visualized by MR imaging. We present a 12-year-old child with neurofibromatosis 1 who presented with a rapidly enlarging mass of the fibula. Surgery and pathology revealed subperiosteal hemorrhage into a benign, plexiform neurofibroma. The MR imaging features, pathogenesis and clinical implications of this entity are discussed. Recognition of this disease process and differentiating it from malignant transformation can prevent unnecessary surgery.

Keywords: Neurofibromatosis; Plexiform neurofibroma; MRI; Subperiosteal hemorrhage; Child

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00247-007-0535-9

Affiliations: 1: Email: nblitman@montefiore.org

Publication date: 2007-09-01