Gastric neurofibroma in von Recklinghausen disease : a cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (von Recklinghausen disease, NF1) involves the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as the skin, bone, endocrine, gastrointestinal and vascular systems. The gastrointestinal neurofibroma associated with NF1 has been infrequently reported. We report our experience with a 15-year-old boy who had a gastric plexiform neurofibroma with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and underwent a tumorectomy because of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We conclude that gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia in the setting of NF1 mandates complete endoscopic examination of the digestive tract to rule out neurofibromas. Surgical resection is the standard treatment.