Traction-induced rupture of an extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm associated with neurofibromatosis. A case report.
METHODS
This report describes presumed traction-induced rupture of a vertebral artery aneurysm in a patient with neurofibromatosis Type I.


OBJECTIVE
To draw attention to the need for preoperative arteriography in the surgical management of severe cervical kyphosis in neurofibromatosis.


BACKGROUND
Aneurysmal dilatation is a rare but well-documented manifestation of neurofibromatosis. The complication of rupture of a vertebral artery lesion has not been described previously.


METHODS
The clinical features of the reported complication in a 56-year-old woman are detailed.


RESULTS
A successful outcome was achieved by embolization and later anterior and posterior spinal fusions.


CONCLUSIONS
Vertebral arteriography should be part of the preoperative assessment of neurofibromatotic cervical kyphosis. Skull traction may produce aneurysmal rupture.
Horsley
M
M
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatic Surgery, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Taylor
T K
TK
Sorby
W A
WA
D017542:Aneurysm, Ruptured / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D000792:Angiography; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000628:therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009456:Neurofibromatosis 1 / Q000150:complications*; D014143:Traction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology