[A case of malignant schwannoma of the mesentery in a patient with von Recklinghausen's disease].

A 23-year-old man with Von Recklinghausen's disease was admitted because of abdominal pain. The preoperative diagnosis was malignant mesenteric tumor. Laparotomy was done and the tumor was located in the mesentery of the ileum which showed numerous tortuous cords or bulbous projections from the surface. Partial resection of the involved ileum and the mesentery was performed. Histological examination revealed plexiform neurofibroma and malignant Schwannoma of the mesentery. It is very difficult to preoperatively diagnose early associated lesions of Von Recklinghausen's disease. Therefore, careful examination of the GI tract is important so that earlier therapy can be carried out.