Isolated cranio-orbitofacial neurofibroma mimicking vascular malformation

Orbit. 2018 Feb;37(1):65-68. doi: 10.1080/01676830.2017.1352609. Epub 2017 Aug 18.

Abstract

Isolated neurofibromas in the absence of systemic neurofibromatosis are known as solitary or localized neurofibromas. When present in the orbit, these lesions may appear clinically and radiographically similar to other tumors, complicating diagnosis and management. Key radiographic signs may guide clinicians to the correct diagnosis when the presentation and patient demographic data obfuscate the disease entity. We present a case of a large multi-lobulated neurofibroma misdiagnosed as a lymphangioma. A brief review of these tumors emphasizing key radiographic features is also included.

Keywords: Isolated neurofibroma; orbital lymphangioma; orbital neurofibroma; vascular malformation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Craniotomy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Exophthalmos / diagnosis
  • Facial Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Facial Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Lymphangioma / diagnosis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neurofibroma / diagnosis*
  • Neurofibroma / surgery
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures
  • Orbital Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Orbital Neoplasms / surgery
  • Vascular Malformations / diagnosis*
  • Young Adult