title: Plexiform Neurofibroma Involving the Lacrimal Gland.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To present a rare case of a 2-year-old girl with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who presented with ptosis of the right upper eyelid along with a tumor in the eyelid.
  
  
  METHODS
  A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the orbit revealed a solid tumor located extraconally at the site of the right lacrimal gland. A transcranial orbitotomy was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Histopathological examination demonstrated expanded nerve branches/fascicles cut in various planes in between normal lacrimal gland acini. These findings were consistent with a plexiform neurofibroma presumably deriving from the lacrimal nerve and/or a supraorbital nerve branch.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first case of a plexiform neurofibroma involving the lacrimal gland ever described and the tumor shows similarities with neurofibroma in other salivary glands with a high recurrence rate. Plexiform neurofibromas are frequently seen in patients with NF1 and rarely undergo malignant transformation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Naestved Hospital, Naestved, Denmark.
authors.forename: Mikael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hofsli
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
authors.forename: Nico
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gampenrieder
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Pathology, Eye Pathology Section, Righospitalet-Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Steffen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Heegaard
keywords: Lacrimal gland; Neurofibromatosis type 1; Plexiform neurofibroma; Salivary gland