Traction-induced rupture of an extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm associated with neurofibromatosis. A case report.
STUDY DESIGN: This report describes presumed traction-induced rupture of a vertebral artery aneurysm in a patient with neurofibromatosis Type I. OBJECTIVE: To draw attention to the need for preoperative arteriography in the surgical management of severe cervical kyphosis in neurofibromatosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Aneurysmal dilatation is a rare but well-documented manifestation of neurofibromatosis. The complication of rupture of a vertebral artery lesion has not been described previously. METHODS: The clinical features of the reported complication in a 56-year-old woman are detailed. RESULTS: A successful outcome was achieved by embolization and later anterior and posterior spinal fusions. CONCLUSIONS: Vertebral arteriography should be part of the preoperative assessment of neurofibromatotic cervical kyphosis. Skull traction may produce aneurysmal rupture.