A Case of Laryngeal Neurofibroma with Sleep Obstructive Apnea / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

ABSTRACT

Most patients with neurofibromas suffer from neurofibromatosis type 1 (von Recklinghausen's disease), which is characterized by cafe-au-lait spots and cutaneous neurofibromas. Neurofibromas in the laryngeal area are extremely rare. Most patients with a laryngeal neurofibroma present with dyspnea, dysphagia, stridor, or hoarseness, depending on the location and size of the tumor. We present a case of a laryngeal neurofibroma in a boy with neurofibromatosis type 1. A 30-month-old boy with neurofibromatosis presented to our hospital with respiratory difficulty and obstructive sleep apnea. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a round mass over the left carotid space, and its location made surgical resection impossible. Hence, tracheostomy was performed to maintain airway patency. The patient's symptoms improved after tracheostomy. Long-term follow-up is essential owing to the possibility of recurrence. The patient has thus far shown no obstructive airway symptoms for one year after closure of the tracheostomy.