Retropharyngeal neurofibroma presenting with severe kypho-scoliosis: respiratory obstruction in postoperative period

A rare case study of a retropharyngeal neurofibroma and a brief literature review

INTRODUCTION

Space occupying lesions in the retropharyngeal space are rare.

CASE REPORT

Here, we present a rare case of a retropharyngeal neurofibroma treated surgically through an open cervical approach without any complication.

DISCUSSION

Neurofibromas are benign, slowly growing neoplasms that could be associated or not with neurofibromatosis. They are derived from peripheral nerves. Diagnostic work-up should include CT-scan and MRI as well as a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment of localized and diffuse neurofibromas is often surgical resection, which may require sacrifice of the nerve. Malignant transformation of these lesions, without association to NF-1, is rare and exceptionally documented in the literature.

CONCLUSION

We presented a rare case of solitary neurofibroma of the retropharyngeal space. Complete resection of the lesion was performed without any complication. We also presented a brief review of the literature about neurofibromas.