Facial hematoma induced spontaneously or by minimal trauma in a facial plexiform neurofibroma: a case report and literature review

Plexiform neurofibroma is a rare benign tumor and a special subtype of neurofibromatosis 1. This report is a literature review with a case of patient with facial hemorrhage observed at the site of neurofibroma removal in the right lower face due to minor trauma. Through PubMed search, using terms ((facial hematoma) OR (facial bleeding)) AND (neurofibromatosis), 86 articles were identified, and five related articles (six patients) were finally selected. Of the six patients, two had previously undergone embolization. However, as a result, all patients received open surgery to remove hematomas. The hemostatic methods mentioned were vascular ligation (five patients), hypotensive anesthesia (two patients), and postoperative blood transfusion (four patients). In conclusion, spontaneous or minimally traumatic bleeding is possible in neurofibromatosis patients. In most cases, it can be resolved by vascular ligation under hypotensive anesthesia. Optionally, prior embolization and supplementary tissue adhesive may be used.