Grade V Thoracic Spondylolisthesis in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Grade V thoracic spondylolisthesis secondary to neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1), especially combined with vertebral fusion, is rare. We reported a case of a 26-year-old female diagnosed with grade V T2spondylolisthesis and T2-T5 autofusion secondary to NF-1, which caused severe kyphotic deformity and neurologic deficits, and she was treated with posterior decompression, internal fixation, and fusion.

Case description: The right-handed patient admitted to the clinic due to weakness of her legs. An eye examination documented a sign of Lisch nodules in the iris. Café-au-lait macules, dermal neurofibroma of multiple forms, and rubbery bumps of varying sizes could be observed on her skin. Paresis with muscle strength of 2/5 in both lower extremities with increased muscle tone and decreased muscle mass could be observed. Radiographic results indicated grade V thoracic spondylolisthesis with vertebral fusion from T2-T5 level. To alleviate neurologic dysfunction, posterior decompression, internal fixation, and fusion were performed. She reported marked improvement in lower limb motor and sensory functions during the follow-up, and her muscle strength recovered to 5/5.

Conclusions: Grade V thoracic spondylolisthesis combined with vertebral fusion on T2-T5 level in NF-1 is rare. Early surgical intervention of posterior spinal decompression with internal fixation and fusion yielded satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Fusion; Neurofibromatosis; Spondylolisthesis.