Newborn Apnea Caused by a Neurofibroma at the Craniocervical Junction

The authors report, for the first time, the finding by magnetic resonance imaging of a neurofibroma at the craniocervical junction with upper cervical cord and lower brainstem compression causing complete apnea from birth. Subsequent subtotal resection of the neurofibroma resulted in the successful...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian journal of neurological sciences 1994-02, Vol.21 (1), p.64-66
Main Authors: Clarke, David B., Farmer, Jean-Pierre, Montes, José L., Watters, Gordon V., Rouleau, Guy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Apnea - etiology
Apnea - physiopathology
Brain Neoplasms - complications
Brain Neoplasms - pathology
Brain Neoplasms - surgery
Female
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Neurofibroma - complications
Neurofibroma - pathology
Neurofibroma - surgery
Spinal Cord Compression - etiology
Spinal Cord Compression - pathology
Spinal Cord Compression - surgery
Spinal Cord Neoplasms - complications
Spinal Cord Neoplasms - pathology
Spinal Cord Neoplasms - surgery
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Summary:The authors report, for the first time, the finding by magnetic resonance imaging of a neurofibroma at the craniocervical junction with upper cervical cord and lower brainstem compression causing complete apnea from birth. Subsequent subtotal resection of the neurofibroma resulted in the successful extubation of a previously ventilator-dependent patient. After a two month period of breathing spontaneously, the newborn developed an upper respiratory tract infection and was reintubated. The patient, unable to be weaned off of the respirator, was extubated and expired shortly thereafter, at the age of five months. The authors suggest that in newborns with unexplained apnea, MRI of the craniocervical junction is indicated. Certain patients may be discovered who have less compromised cervicomedullary function and are afflicted by less aggressive forms of neurofibromatosis type 1. These patients may benefit permanently from a surgical decompression.
ISSN:0317-1671
2057-0155
DOI:10.1017/S0317167100048800