Objective: The objective of this study is to report a case of spinal cord compression,\nwhich is a rare complication of neurofibromatosis type 1. Observation:\nWe report the case of a 45-year-old man, which presented a syndrome\nof thoracic spinal cord compression at the stage of spastic paraparesis. Its installation\nwas gradually over 6 months associated with the inaugural back\npain. He had a clinical history of neurofibromatosis type 1 with â??Cafe-au-laitâ?\nspots. There were multiple painless nodules under the skin of different size on\nthe chest, forearms and legs. A large isolated nodule, purplish was observed\non the chest. The neuro-imaging showed a para-spinal anterior mass expansion\ninside the spinal canal causing spinal compression at the level of the\nsecond and third thoracic vertebra. It extends into the intervertebral foramen\nof the third and fourth thoracic vertebra leading to a scalloping. A\nsecond large heterogeneous left intra-abdominal mass containing cyst areas\nand calcifications was discovered in imaging. After a spinal decompression\nwith laminectomy of the second and third thoracic vertebra, the reduction\nof pain and motor recovery was gradual. The large nodule excision was\nperformed. Histology found a plexiform neurofibroma. Excision of the left\nintra-abdominal mass could not be performed because the patientâ??s consent\nhad not been obtained. Conclusion: The spinal cord compression is a rare\ncomplication of neurofibromatosis type 1. However, it is essential to think\nabout it in front of any spinal cord symptoms or any atypical long term spinal\npain.
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