Spotaneous rupture of an intercostal artery in a patient with neurofibromatosis and scoliosis.

A case is reported of spontaneous rupture of an intercostal artery at its origin from the aorta in a patient with neurofibromatosis and scoliosis. The possible role played by each of these conditions in the pathogenesis of the spontaneous rupture is discussed. Comment is made on the unusual radiologic appearances of extrapleural hemorrhage.