IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Plexiform neurofibroma

Case contributed by Pablo Gabriel Zaldívar Gómez
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Dorsal deformity, scoliosis and walking difficulty, without neurological commitment, has no personal pathological history.

Patient Data

Age: 13 years
Gender: Male
ct

Severe thoracolumbar scoliosis due to a well-defined, lobulated left paravertebral mass, isodense to adjacent soft tissues. 

mri

Mixed composition, heterogeneous on all sequences, with cystic areas that conflate giving it the appearance of a "bag of worms".

Origin at the right vertebral conjunction orifice level T11-T12, covering from T10 to L1 level. It extends through the fascia of the erector muscle of the back and quadratus lumborum, conditioning the volume effect that displaces psoas muscle, posterior para-renal space and crura, in addition, associated bone remodeling is observed,

Case Discussion

This case shows classic findings of a mass-like predominantly hyperintense with some whorled hypointensity centrally in an extradural paraspinal localization with involvement of spinal root that emerges at and widens the T11-T12 neural exit foramen.

The images are particularly representative and lead to the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type I. The mass was biopsied, confirming plexiform neurofibroma on histopathology.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.