A novel approach in managing right-sided haemothorax in neurofibromatosis type 1

Abstract

Spontaneous haemothorax due to vasculopathy in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 is rare but life-threatening. A 56-year-old lady with neurofibromatosis type 1 presented with right-sided chest pain, dyspnoea, and collapse. Computed tomography showed a right-sided hemothorax. Urgent angiography showed contrast leakage from a right subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm. A Gore Viabahn endovascular stent graft was deployed. Completion angiography revealed satisfactory haemostasis. She underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic evacuation of the hemothorax, with good results. This case highlights a novel approach to managing a rare emergency, using combined procedures.

Keywords: Aneurysm; endovascular stenting; haemothorax; neurofibromatosis 1; ruptured; subclavian artery.