A Case of Spontaneous Hemothorax in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type I

ABSTRACT

Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is a genetic disorder associated with the central nervous system and cutaneous manifestations. Complications involving the vascular system, such as arterial rupture and occlusion, are rare. We encountered a patient with NF1 who had non-trauma-related left chest pain and dyspnea. Radiology findings indicated spontaneous hemothorax on his left lung. Following a thoracostomy for hematoma evacuation, approximately 1.5 liters of blood was drained. Consequently, he underwent an operation to identify the culprit vessel. During surgery, the vessel responsible for bleeding was found and treated. This case involved a spontaneous hemothorax caused by periaortic intercostal artery rupture, which was treated with thoracotomy and ligation of the culprit artery. The patient made a full recovery and was discharged without any complications.