An anterior tibial artery aneurysm in a patient with neurofibromatosis

Abstract

Von Recklinghausen's type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder of neuroectodermal tissue. Arterial involvement has also been recognized. Stenotic lesions predominate, but aneurysms have been documented as well. Aortoiliac, visceral, and cervical aneurysms are well represented in the literature. Rarely noted, however, have been peripheral aneurysms. Typically hi more proximal vessels, subclavian, femoral, and popliteal aneurysms have been mentioned. We present the case of a patient with type 1 NF and an anterior tibial artery aneurysm that was subsequently resected. Neurofibromatous invasion of the vessel was confirmed by means of pathological tests. We think this is the first reported case of a tibial artery aneurysm associated with NF.