Endothoracic localization of the von Recklinghausen disease. A case report

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: A case of a 45 years old man affected by the Von Recklinghausen disease with a rare neurofibroma of the thoracic wall is reported.

MATERIALS: Starting from 2000 the Authors are using the V.A.T.S. (video assisted thoracic surgery) in their Department of surgery, as minimally invasive approach to diagnosis and treatment of some thoracic diseases: initially the patient was studied by a standard chest x-ray followed by tomography and magnetic resonance to determine the localization of the neoplasm of the chest wall.

RESULTS: The neurofibroma was removed by V.A.T.S., through a minimal thoracic access. After treatment we observed the complete remission of symptoms.

DISCUSSION: Single localization of the neurofibroma in the Von Recklinghausen disease can transform into a malignant neoplasm. The indication to surgery, in the case presented, was determined by the intense thoracic pain and by the risk of malignant degeneration. The minimally invasive approach showed to be the best option according to the dimensions of the neurofibroma. In the actual literature this approach represents the gold standard in the treatment of small intrathoracic neoplasm.

CONCLUSION: In the chest wall localization of the Von Recklinghausen disease the Authors recommend the minimal surgical treatment by using V.A.T.S.