Bilateral Dumbbell Cervical Spinal Ganglioneuromas Associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Seetahal-Maraj Panduranga,Ramnarine Narindra,Knight Patrick,Hosein Nadeem

doi:10.23937/2643-4474/1710078

Abstract

Cervical ganglioneuromas are rare lesions that should be considered in the NF1 patient with signs of myelopathy. While they are typically benign, there are isolated reports of malignant transformation and long-term surveillance may be warranted.

Highlights

Cervical ganglioneuromas producing spinal cord compression are very uncommonly reported in the English literature
Cervical ganglioneuromas are rare lesions that should be considered in the Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) patient with signs of myelopathy
This case of bilateral dumbbell Cervical Ganglioneuroma (CGN) causing cervical myelopathy in a patient with NF1 highlights the rarity of these lesions, and the need to consider them in the differential diagnosis

Summary

Introduction

Cervical ganglioneuromas producing spinal cord compression are very uncommonly reported in the English literature. Spinal tumours associated with NF1 are histologically found to be neurofibromas This case of bilateral dumbbell CGN causing cervical myelopathy in a patient with NF1 highlights the rarity of these lesions, and the need to consider them in the differential diagnosis. A 42-year-old female was referred to the neurosurgical clinic with a complaint of bilateral upper limb numbness and headaches for one week This occurred after a fall from standing height, with no head or cervical spine trauma. Clinical presentation: We present a case of a young female with NF1, who developed bilateral upper limb paresthesia after a minor fall. Her neurological examination was consistent with cervical myelopathy, with long tract signs evident but no loss of power. The patient underwent posterior C1-2 decompressive laminectomies and excision of these lesions

Results

Discussion

Conclusion