A 4-year-old boy presented for right lower limb mass with lower limbs discrepancy. The mass increased gradually in size causing intermittent throbbing pain. Physical examination showed a solid, mobile, mildly tender mass of the right calf. The boy and his brother have multiple pigmented macules (Fig. 1).
On X-ray the right leg is longer than the left one. Minimal bowing of the right tibial and fibular shafts was noted, as well as an increased soft tissue density. (Fig. 2)
MRI showed a soft tissue mass of the posterior compartment of the right leg. The mass was infiltrating, showing lobulated margins and extending from the distal thigh and popliteal fossa to the plantar aspect of the foot. It demonstrated an intermediate signal on T1-weighted images, a high signal on T2 and minimal enhancement after gadolinium administration. Axial T2-images showed multiple target appearances within the mass. (Fig. 3-4)
Neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominant multisystem genetic disorder, resulting from deletion/mutation of the NF1 gene responsible of production of a tumour suppressor protein: "neurofibromin". Lack of neurofibromin induces malformations of the skin, skeleton and nervous system. The prevalence of clinically diagnosed cases ranges from 1/2000 to 1/5000. [1]
The skeleton is commonly involved in NF1: spinal deformities, sphenoid and tibial bone dysplasia, excessive bone and soft-tissue growth. [2]
Dysplasia of long bones, most frequently the tibia, is seen in 7.1% of cases. [2]
In general it presents as tibial bowing with cortical thinning, increased risk of fracture and pseudarthrosis. In such cases limb discrepancy results from shortening of the affected limb, however, limb overgrowth may occur without dysplasia as in our case where the long limb demonstrates a soft tissue mass. It is postulated that the tumour-associated hyperaemia somehow induces limb overgrowth. [3]
The diagnosis of NF is clinical. [4] It is made in our case by the presence of three of seven clinical criteria (cafe-au-lait spots, tibial dysplasia and a first degree relative with cafe-au-lait spots); this clinical context and the above described MRI findings lead to the diagnosis of plexiform neurofibroma (PN).
PN is pathognomonic of NF1, found in 27% of cases. [5] It is an ill-defined infiltrating mass involving the nerve, muscles and adjacent fat, consequently often non totally resectable. [6] PN typically involves the trunk and extremities but also may affect the head, neck, urinary bladder or even the mesentery. [7]
On MRI it presents as an infiltrative mass of fascicular aspect, with hypo/iso T1 signal, iso/hyper T2 signal with subtle or no enhancement after gadolinium administration. A characteristic MR finding is the ”target sign” on axial T2 images: a low signal centre of collagen fibres and a high signal rim of myxomatous material. [8]
Besides the clinical picture, MRI is the diagnostic modality of PN. Angio-CT or MR also help assess the vascularization for any pre-surgical embolisation. [9]
Clinical context is the most important clue for diagnosis. When large, the neurofibroma causes hypertrophy of the affected member giving a presentation called “elephantiasis neuromatosa”. [1]
Differential diagnoses include proteus syndrome, a sporadic disease of tissue and bone with limb overgrowth, vascular malformations and muscular asymmetry [11, 12] and Kasabach-Merritt syndrome that is thrombocytopenia with large infiltrating soft tissue haemangiomas. [13] The first syndrome is unlikely since the patient's disease is familial, the second includes bright T2 significantly enhancing lesions unlike our case.
Plexiform neurofibroma
Based on the patient’s X-ray and MRI images, the following observations are noted:
Based on the above imaging findings and the patient’s clinical history (multiple café-au-lait spots, family history, and local limb hypertrophy), the following diagnoses should be considered:
Considering the patient’s age, clinical symptoms, family history, multiple café-au-lait spots, gradual soft tissue proliferation in the right lower leg, and the characteristic imaging features, a definitive diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) with plexiform neurofibroma can be made.
Given that the patient’s limb is still developing, individualized exercise and functional training should be carried out under the guidance of a specialist in rehabilitation medicine:
This report is based on a comprehensive medical analysis of the currently provided information and is for reference only. The content of this report cannot replace in-person diagnosis or professional medical advice. If you have any questions or if the patient’s condition changes, please seek prompt consultation at a qualified medical institution or specialist clinic.
Plexiform neurofibroma
