Calvarial defects associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. Report of two cases

Abstract

Calvarial osteolysis is a relatively rare finding in patients with neurofibromatosis. The authors describe two patients with neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and extensive cranial defects associated with underlying dural ectasia. Cranioplasties were performed in both patients with mixed results. One patient underwent cranioplasty using titanium mesh and methylmethacrylate. The other patient underwent an extensive cranioplasty with autogenous iliac crest grafting, and after initial healing has since had further bone resorption. In conclusion, the results of cranial reconstruction in patients with NF1 and dural ectasia are unpredictable because of the tendency for further bone resorption; techniques that protect the graft material from cerebrospinal fluid pulsations via a rigid mesh should be considered.