Recurrent massive subcutaneous hemorrhage in neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report

J Korean Med Sci. 2007 Aug;22(4):728-30. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2007.22.4.728.

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant disorder that has three major features: multiple neural tumors, cafe-au-lait spots, and pigmented iris hamartomas (Lisch nodules). The purpose of this case report is to advise physicians of the danger associated with the progression of fast-onset massive hemorrhage to hemodynamic instability, which mandates rapid treatment to prevent the development of a life-threatening condition. A 64-yr-old woman with NF-1 was admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) because of a rapidly growing, 10 x 5 x 3 cm-sized mass on the left back area. She had previously undergone surgery for a large subcutaneous hematoma, which had developed on her right back area 30 yr before. She became hemodynamically unstable with hypotension during the next 3 hr after admission to ED. Resuscitation and blood transfusion were done, and the hematoma was surgically removed. The mass presented as a subcutaneous, massive hematoma with pathologic findings of neurofibroma. We report a case of NF-1 that presented as recurrent, massive, subcutaneous hemorrhage on the back region combined with hypovolemic shock.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hematoma / etiology
  • Hematoma / pathology
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Hemorrhage / pathology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 / complications*
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 / pathology
  • Recurrence
  • Skin Diseases / etiology*
  • Skin Diseases / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed