Adjacent malignant schwannoma and neurofibroma of intrathoracic vagus.

A 24-year-old man with neurofibromatosis and adjacent malignant schwannoma and neurofibroma of an intrathoracic vagus is reported. He survived for eight months, developing massive recurrence three months after surgical extirpation. Review of the 13 previously documented patients with neurofibroma of the intrathoracic vagus indicates that most patients have neurofibromatosis. The thickest portion of the intrathoracic vagi, the proximal portions and most often the left nerve, is the site of predilection. In about half, multiple neurofibromata of the nerve may be present. Malignant schwannoma of the mediastinum is discussed and it would appear that neurofibromatosis is not a predisposing factor.