Bilateral Occipital Neuralgia in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case Report
10.21593/kjhno/2021.37.2.77
- Author:
Ji-Young KIM
1
;
Sungmi JEON
;
Sang Wha KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:
Korean Journal of Head and Neck Oncology
2021;37(2):77-80
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs) represent an uncommon variant (30%) of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1), in which neurofibromas arise from multiple nerves as bulging and deforming masses involving connective tissue and skin folds. We report the case of a 17-year-old man with known NF-1 presenting with bilateral occipital neuralgia that began in his late adolescence. His chief complaint was radiating pain in the occiput induced by protective helmet wear when riding alpine skiing. Craniofacial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the presence of fusiform masses arising from the bilateral greater occipital nerves. Histopathological examination of the biopsy samples showed PNFs. After surgical treatment, the patient's symptoms completely improved. Unlike cutaneous neurofibromas, PNFs have different clinical characteristics and have the risk of malignant mutations. Correct diagnosis and adequate surgical treatment are necessary for PNFs.
