[Voluminous mediastinal neurofibroma in a child].
BACKGROUND
Neurogenic tumors account for 30% of mediastinal tumors in children. The thoracic region is the most common site for neurofibromas. We report a case of a voluminous neurofibroma in a small girl.


METHODS
After 8 months of paraplegia, a 4-year-old girl underwent thoracic radiography and computed tomography as well as magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. These revealed a huge mediastinal mass continuing into the vertebral canal and compressing the cord. Histological examination after surgery confirmed the diagnosis of neurofibroma. At the follow-up examination a month later, the paraplegia had resolved.


CONCLUSIONS
Neurofibromas may manifest as solitary tumors or may be one manifestation of neurofibromatosis. In mediastinal neurofibroma, thoracic radiography, and computed tomography can show the tumor, posterior vertebral scalloping, and enlarged neural foramina. MR imaging provides the exact anatomic location, as well as any compression and displacement caused by the tumor. This information is essential for deciding the exact extent of resection. MRI may also be helpful in postoperative management.
Radouane
Bouchaib
B
Service d'imagerie médicale, Hôpital militaire d'instruction Med V, Rabat, Maroc. radouane.b@caramail.com
Jidal
Mohamed
M
Chaouir
Souad
S
Amil
Touria
T
Hanine
Ahmed
A
Benameur
Mohamed
M
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D009455:Neurofibroma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae