Use of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block as an anesthesia technique in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: A case report

Emine Aysu Şalvız1, Emre Sertaç Bingül1, Meltem Savran Karadeniz1, Ömer Berköz2, Erman Ak2, Kamil Mehmet Tuğrul1

1Department of Anaesthesiology, İstanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
2Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Division of Hand, İstanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey

Keywords: Neurofibromatosis type I, supraclavicular brachial plexus block; ultrasound.

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by cutaneous and/or plexiform neurofibromas and hyperpigmented café-au-lait spots. It affects multiple endocrine and visceral organs and can be associated with several difficulties such as potential airway (ventilation/intubation) problems, abnormal spinal anatomy, and peripheral neurofibromas. Therefore, anesthesia technique selection becomes more of an issue in terms of avoiding complications and decreasing morbidity and mortality. In the present case, we describe the use of ultrasound and the successful performance of supraclavicular brachial plexus block for surgery on the arm and forearm in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1.