Endovascular embolization of spontaneous massive hemorrhage of a facial plexiform neurofibroma: case report and literature review

Brain Inj. 2022 May 12;36(6):810-816. doi: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2077986. Epub 2022 May 23.

Abstract

Background: As a subtype of neurofibromatosis, the plexiform neurofibroma is a benign, autosomally inherited disorder and predisposed to tumour formation. However, life-threatening haemorrhage into facial plexiform neurofibroma is extremely rare.

Case information: In the current study, we showed a facial plexiform neurofibroma case with massive haemorrhage in the cranio-maxillofacial region. An emergent selective angiography of the external carotid artery was performed to identify the offending artery, which was then selectively occluded by the combination of detachable coils and Onyx-34. Thus, the minimally invasive drainage surgery was successfully performed to evacuate the haematoma.

Conclusion: We believe the endovascular embolization achieved its purpose by providing an initial salvage strategy for stopping active haemorrhage in plexiform neurofibroma, allowing surgeons to perform open surgery with lower complications rate.

Keywords: Embolization; facial; haemorrhage; neurofibromatosis; plexiform neurofibroma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Hematoma / etiology
  • Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Humans
  • Neurofibroma, Plexiform* / complications
  • Neurofibroma, Plexiform* / diagnostic imaging
  • Neurofibroma, Plexiform* / surgery
  • Neurofibromatosis 1* / complications
  • Neurofibromatosis 1* / pathology