Neurofibromas with imaging characteristics resembling vascular anomalies

Abstract

Objective: Although neurofibromas are rare, their initial clinical and imaging presentation can mimic those of vascular anomalies, particularly if the characteristic clinical features of neurofibromatosis are not present. The diagnostic challenges encountered in five cases of histologically proven neurofibromas, initially diagnosed as vascular anomalies, are reviewed and discussed.

Conclusion: The clinical and imaging differences between neurofibromas and vascular anomalies are detailed with the histopathologic features to better understand why some neurofibromas are diagnosed as vascular anomalies.

Keywords: MRI; neurofibroma; ultrasound; vascular anomaly.