Unanticipated Compression of the Trachea in a 5-Month-Old Undergoing an MRI for Evaluation of Neurofibromatosis.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal-dominant disorder with the tendency toward the formation of tumors. Plexiform neurofibromas are the most common type of tumors seen in neurofibromatosis type 1. Approximately 50% occur in the head and neck region with a 5% incidence of airway involvement. We describe the case of a 5 month old with a plexiform neurofibroma of the neck who developed complete airway obstruction on induction of anesthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a skull base neurofibroma extending to the hypopharynx and resulting in deviation of the airway. Because of the possibility of airway involvement, a careful preanesthetic evaluation as well as a slow induction with the maintenance of spontaneous ventilation should be considered in patients presenting with facial neurofibromas.