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Cutaneous melanoma in a patient with neurofibromatosis: a case report and review of the literature.

We report the occurrence of a malignant melanoma in a patient with neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen's disease; NF 1). Neurofibromatosis, like malignant melanoma, is believed to be a disorder of neural crest origin, and is associated with a number of different malignancies, but a definite association between cutaneous malignant melanoma and neurofibromatosis has not been established. We describe a patient with a malignant melanoma and with neurofibromatosis, and review the literature pertinent to this topic. The malignant melanoma was not related to a café-au-lait patch or congenital naevus. The paucity of reports of patients with neurofibromatosis associated with cutaneous malignant melanoma suggests that these diseases probably do not occur together with any greater frequency than that determined by chance alone.

Adult↗

Lens opacities in neurofibromatosis 2: further significant correlations.

This prospective study of 96 individuals from 29 families with neurofibromatosis 2, 49 of whom were affected, confirms in an extended series the previously reported association between posterior subcapsular/capsular cataract and neurofibromatosis 2. Posterior subcapsular/capsular cataracts were found in 36 (80%) of the 45 affected individuals (four individuals were excluded from statistical analyses). In addition, the association of peripheral cortical lens opacities with neurofibromatosis 2 was found to be statistically significant. Seventeen of the patients with neurofibromatosis 2 (37.8%) had peripheral cortical cataracts in comparison with none of the unaffected family members (p < 0.0001). In three patients peripheral cortical opacities were present despite the absence of posterior subcapsular/capsular cataracts. These findings support the inclusion of cortical cataracts of early onset, in addition to posterior subcapsular/capsular cataracts, in the diagnostic criteria of neurofibromatosis 2.

Adolescent↗

Headaches in patients with neurofibromatosis-1.

An analysis of patients followed with a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis-1 and headache was conducted. Characterization of headache type was done after chart review of 81 patients with neurofibromatosis-1 and headache. Consent was obtained for subsequent telephone interviews using a standardized questionnaire concerning the onset, characteristics, timing, triggers, and associated symptoms of the patients' headaches. Data was summarized and tabulated. Of 132 patients with neurofibromatosis-1, 81 were identified with any headache by screening history. Recurrent headaches were present in 77% of patients and in 47% of our neurofibromatosis-1 clinic population. Fifty-three of 81 patients were accessible for and agreeable to telephone interview. There were 23 male patients and 30 female patients aged 5 6/12 to 49 6/12 years, with a mean age of 20.9 years. Eighty-one percent reported having experienced recurrent headaches within the year. The majority reported onset of headache prior to the age of 10 years. Headache characteristics included the following: frequency of monthly or less, frontotemporal location, pulsating or pressing quality, and moderate severity (pain scale 4 to 5 out of 10). Headaches interfered with daily activities, had weekend occurrence, and had a duration less than 2 hours. Common headache triggers included stress, "change in weather," menstruation, fatigue, and certain foods. A high percentage of patients reported associated symptoms of nausea with or without vomiting (37%), phonophobia, photophobia, pallor, and visual scotoma. We classified 34% of the patients as having migraine (25% with aura, 9% without aura), 45% with nonmigrainous headache only, and 15% with mixed headache types (either intermittently), and 7.5% with other head pains. We conclude that patients with neurofibromatosis-1 are at greater risk for headaches than the general population. While the prevalence of both migraine and nonnigraine headache is somewhat greater than in the general population, the proportion of tension-type headache, especially in young children, is greater than expected.

Adolescent↗

A child with neurofibromatosis-1 and a lumbar epidural arteriovenous malformation.

A 10-year-old child with neurofibromatosis-1 was evaluated for progressive lumbar scoliosis, back pain, and foot numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed several lumbar intraspinal and extraspinal masses consistent with neurofibromas. The mass at L3-L5 compressed the thecal sac and was thought to be the source of the symptoms. On operative exploration, a lumbar epidural arteriovenous malformation was found, which was removed in its entirety. The child's back pain and foot numbness resolved. Epidural arteriovenous malformations in patients with neurofibromatosis-1 are rare and have been reported only in the cervical spine. Our finding of a lumbar epidural arteriovenous malformation in a child with neurofibromatosis-1 demonstrates that vascular anomalies can be present throughout the spine of patients with neurofibromatosis-1 and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any neurofibromatosis-1-related epidural mass.

Arteriovenous Malformations↗

Neurofibromas in children with neurofibromatosis 1.

Neurofibromatosis 1 is a common autosomal dominant disease reported in approximately 1 in 3000 individuals. Although some features of neurofibromatosis 1, such as café-au-lait spots and Lisch nodules, are clinically silent, neurofibromas cause a significant degree of morbidity, mortality, and cosmetic disfigurement. Childhood through early adulthood is a vulnerable period for the growth of these lesions. Neurofibromas are a heterogeneous group of benign tumors that grow from intraneural and extraneural tissues. These tumors take on different morphology, grow at variable rates, and occur in multiple locations. Symptoms arise as neurofibromas enlarge, compressing and distorting local structures. The unpredictable nature of neurofibromas has a serious impact on the quality of life of patients with neurofibromatosis 1, and their management is challenging for physicians. Surgical removal remains the mainstay of treatment. However, advances in the understanding of the genetics and pathogenesis of neurofibromatosis 1 have led to the development of promising new biologically directed therapies. The purpose of this review is to summarize the defining characteristics, incidence, clinical course, management options, and outcome of neurofibromas in children with neurofibromatosis 1.

Adolescent↗

Ocular motor behavior of children with neurofibromatosis 1.

Patients with neurofibromatosis 1 show neurocognitive deficits including abnormal visuospatial performance, but oculomotor behavior has not been studied. We recorded saccades in neurofibromatosis 1 and normal children, ages 6 to 12 years. Patients showed increased latency and diminished amplitude to more eccentric targets for both visually guided and memory-guided saccades. Subtracting the latencies of visually guided saccades from memory-guided saccades produced no differences between groups. For predictive saccades (0.5 Hz), patients with neurofibromatosis 1 generated fewer anticipatory saccades than normal subjects, but patients with neurofibromatosis 1 made more direction errors in an antisaccade task. Patients with neurofibromatosis 1 show saccade abnormalities that are not easily ascribed to dysfunction within single cortical areas. Rather, the findings likely reflect (1) partial involvement of different components of a widely distributed cerebral network that controls saccades, (2) impaired visuomotor maturation in a brain abnormal early in development, and (3) excessive gamma-aminobutyric acid-mediated inhibition, which could influence basal ganglia pathways that modulate superior colliculus activity.

Basal Ganglia↗

Epilepsy in neurofibromatosis 1.

Neurofibromatosis 1 is the most common neurocutaneous disease. Neurologic manifestations are mainly represented by tumors such as optic gliomas, focal areas of high T2-weighted signal known as unidentified bright objects, and mental retardation or learning disabilities. The prevalence of seizures has been reported to range from 3.8 to 6%. In the present study, we evaluated prevalence, type, and etiology of epilepsy in a neurofibromatosis 1 population. A retrospective analysis of 198 patients affected by neurofibromatosis 1 was performed. Fourteen patients (7%) were found to be epileptic. Every patient underwent electroencephalographic examination and neuroimaging investigations. Thirteen were submitted to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study and one to computed tomographic (CT) scanning. Single-photon emission computed tomographic and positron emission tomographic studies were performed in a few selected cases. Seizures were partial in 12 of these (85%) and generalized in 2 (15%). In nine (64%), epilepsy was secondary to brain lesions: five of these had cerebral tumors (three with epilepsy as the fist symptom), three had cortical malformation, and one had mesial temporal sclerosis. Seizures were controlled rapidly in eight (57%) and drug resistant in four (29%). Two patients were lost at follow-up. All patients with uncontrolled seizures had severe mental retardation, and three of these had malformations of cortical development. Our observations and our re-evaluation of the literature indicate that patients with neurofibromatosis 1 have an increased risk of epilepsy related to intracranial masses and cytoarchitectural abnormalities, and seizures can represent the first symptom of a tumor or cortical malformation. Brain MRI and, in selected cases, functional studies appear to be useful in patients with neurofibromatosis 1 who present with seizures, especially if associated with mental retardation.

Adolescent↗

Congenital glaucoma and neurofibromatosis in a monozygotic twin: case report and review of the literature.

We describe a dramatic case of an identical twin presenting at birth with unilateral congenital glaucoma. Because of the suspicion of neurofibromatosis 1 a magnetic resonance image of the neural axis was obtained, which revealed a plexiform neurofibroma with spinal cord impingement. Diagnosis of neurofibromatosis 1 was confirmed by 3 months of age with the emergence of café-au-lait spots. This case was compared with all 19 reports published in the English literature of neurofibromatosis 1 associated with congenital glaucoma. Initial presentation, family history, characteristics ofthe clinical syndrome, and outcome of glaucoma in infants with neurofibromatosis 1 and congenital glaucoma were reviewed. A plexiform neurofibroma of the ipsilateral eyelid was present in eight patients and ipsilateral facial hypertrophy occurred in three patients. Café-au-lait spots appeared between the ages of 5 weeks and 8 years; none of the patients were reported to have café-au-lait spots at birth. Newborns with unilateral congenital glaucoma should raise high suspicion for neurofibromatosis 1 and its associated findings, which might need immediate intervention.

Cafe-au-Lait Spots↗

Clinical and instrumental (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and multimodal evoked potentials) follow-up of brain lesions in three young patients with neurofibromatosis 1.

Diagnosis of neurofibromatosis 1 is based on clinical criteria. In a large number of children with neurofibromatosis 1, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals high-signal T(2)-weighted intensities in different brain regions, defined as unidentified bright objects. These lesions are asymptomatic; most of them regress spontaneously with age, but the presence of contrast enhancement or mass effect in them usually strongly suggests an increased risk of proliferative changes. To date, few studies have focused on evoked potentials in patients with neurofibromatosis 1, and the reported abnormalities did not have significant clinical correlations. We describe the clinical and instrumental (MRI and evoked potentials) follow-up of three patients with neurofibromatosis 1. MRI and evoked potentials showed subclinical involvement of the central nervous system. Some MRI T(2)-weighted hyperintensities showed enhancement and mass effect of uncertain significance. During follow-up, the MRI lesions spontaneously decreased in size or enhancement, allowing us to exclude the hypothesis of proliferative lesions; in the same way, some asymptomatic evoked potential abnormalities disappeared. These findings suggest that both MRI and evoked potentials could be useful in the detection and monitoring of cerebral complications of neurofibromatosis 1.

Adolescent↗

Neurofibromatosis and optic glioma: clinical and morphological correlations.

Although an association between optic glioma and neurofibromatosis is well recognized, there has been no previous analysis of cases relating the locus of tumor to the presence or absence of von Recklinghausen's disease. This paper presents the results of such an analysis as well as a description of the comparative histology of optic gliomas in patients with and without neurofibromatosis. We conclude that optic gliomas in patients with neurofibromatosis present preferentially as multicentric lesions or as lesions affecting the optic nerve alone without invasion of the chiasm, that these tumors frequently differ morphologically, and that patients with neurofibromatosis and optic glioma may have a clinical course different from that of patients with optic glioma unassociated with neurofibromatosis. Previously published reports are reviewed in light of these observations.

Adolescent↗

Segmental neurofibromatosis.

Of the various forms of neurofibromatosis, the best known are peripheral neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen's disease) and central neurofibromatosis. There is a rare form called segmental neurofibromatosis, in which the cutaneous and neural changes are limited to one sector of the body and with which there is usually no family history of neurofibromatosis. We report four patients with this disorder and stress the value of repetitive, limited excision of peripheral nerve tumors in their management.

Adult↗

Extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm ruptured into the thoracic cavity with neurofibromatosis type 1: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: We are sometimes involved in the care of patients with neurofibromatosis Type 1 because of the associated disorders of cervicocerebral vessels. However, extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm in neurofibromatosis Type 1 is very rare. We present the first reported case of a rupture of an extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm into the thoracic cavity in a patient with neurofibromatosis Type 1. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old woman who presented with a decrease in left-sided grip and numbness of the left upper limb was admitted. During history taking, she developed shock. Radiological examination revealed that a left extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm had ruptured into the thoracic cavity. With consciousness decreasing gradually because of hemorrhagic shock, the patient became comatose. INTERVENTION: Balloon occlusion of the vertebral artery proximal to the aneurysm was performed and surgical ligation was attempted, but cardiac arrest occurred immediately after the beginning of surgery, and the patient died. The vertebral artery proximal to the aneurysm was removed for pathological examination. CONCLUSION: In this case, the changes noted were interpreted as changes showing fragility of the vascular wall secondary to neurofibromatosis Type 1. Patients with neurofibromatosis Type 1 exhibit disorders of cervicocerebral vessels, and in some cases progression may follow a violent course. Periodic follow-up of such patients and early diagnosis are important.

Aneurysm, Ruptured↗

MR imaging of spinal tumors in children with neurofibromatosis 1.

OBJECTIVE: The need for radiologic surveillance of spinal tumors in children with neurofibromatosis 1 is controversial and unresolved. We aimed to determine the incidence of spinal tumors in asymptomatic patients, describe the imaging findings, and evaluate the clinical usefulness of a prospective MR imaging surveillance program of the spine in children with neurofibromatosis 1. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Of 62 children consecutively seen in a neurofibromatosis 1 clinic, 53 (85.5%) were recruited for MR imaging of the whole spine. All children satisfied the clinical criteria for diagnosis of neurofibromatosis 1. Imaging findings, clinical signs and symptoms, and subsequent clinical management were reviewed. RESULTS: The patients were 35 boys and 18 girls (age range, 11 months-18 years; mean age, 9.6 years), all of whom were asymptomatic, with no remarkable neurologic signs. Seven children (13.2%) had spinal neurofibromas: four had solitary neurofibromas (two dumbbell, one intradural, and one paraspinal tumor) and three had plexiform neurofibromas of the sacral plexus and thoracic and lumbar nerve sheaths. The incidences of scoliosis, localized cutaneous neurofibromas, and massive soft-tissue neurofibromas were 71.4%, 71.4%, and 28.6%, respectively, in the group with spinal neurofibromas (n = 7), and 30.4%, 39.1%, and 8.7%, respectively, in the group without spinal neurofibromas (n = 46). Patient clinical outcome was affected in only one patient (1.9%) in whom a solitary neurofibroma was resected. Follow-up imaging in 10 patients (mean period, 29 months) showed no evidence of tumor occurrence, progression, or recurrence. CONCLUSION: Although benign spinal neurofibromas are not uncommon in asymptomatic children with neurofibromatosis 1, the clinical usefulness of spine surveillance with MR imaging is limited in these children, making its effectiveness questionable.

Adolescent↗

A case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is characterized by cutaneous neurofibromas and pigmented lesions of the skin called café au lait spots. Although neurofibromatosis type 1 represents a major risk factor for the development of malignancy, especially of nervous system tumors, malignant lymphoma rarely occurs in a patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. Recently, a 77-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis type 1 was diagnosed as non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (diffuse large B cell). She had multiple café au lait spots, neurofibromas and right axillary lymph node enlargement. An abdominal CT scan demonstrated a left pelvic mass and para-aortic lymphadenopathy. Because non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in a neurofibromatosis patient has never been reported in Korea, herein, we describe this case and include a review of the literature.

Aged↗

Characteristics of Lisch nodules in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence and location of Lisch nodules among patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational case series in which 369 consecutive patients from a neurofibromatosis clinic participated. Predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to these participants. The presence of Lisch nodules was determined by one of the authors (SMC). The percentage of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 with Lisch nodules was calculated. Lisch nodules were characterized as being distributed superiorly, inferiorly, or equally in each eye. The percentage of eyes in each group was ascertained. RESULTS: Among patients of all ages with neurofibromatosis type 1, 63.2% had Lisch nodules, whereas 92% of postpubertal patients had Lisch nodules. Among eyes with Lisch nodules, 80% had an inferior distribution. CONCLUSIONS: This study corroborated previously reported data regarding the prevalence of Lisch nodules in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 and found that Lisch nodules were predominantly located inferiorly on the iris. The authors propose that exposure to sunlight may be the mechanism for this distribution of hamartomatous nodules.

Adolescent↗

[Arteriovenous malformation in neurofibromatosis type 1. A case report and review of the literature].

INTRODUCTION: Neurofibromatosis type I may be accompanied by cerebrovascular complications, mainly stenosis or aneurysms and more rarely vertebral arteriovenous fistulas and malformations. We report the first case of a child, as far as we know, with neurofibromatosis type I and subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by rupture of an arteriovenous malformation. CLINICAL CASE: A 9 year old girl presented with the acute onset of a condition preceded by vomiting, deterioration in her level of consciousness and neck rigidity caused by subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhage. On angiography a right interpeduncular arteriovenous malformation was seen which arose from the right anterior choroid artery. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit for stabilization of her condition, followed by surgical operation and good subsequent progress. CONCLUSIONS: We review the cerebrovascular complications associated with neurofibromatosis type I that have been described in the literature. Neurofibromatosis type I may be associated with cerebrovascular complications. The most frequent of these are occlusive or stenotic, isolated or with a vascular pattern of progressive cerebral artery occlusive disease of moyamoya type and aneurysms. Other rarer cerebrovascular complications include fistulas and arteriovenous malformations. The patient we report is the first case of vascular malformation in children associated with neurofibromatosis type I as far as we are aware.

Cerebral Angiography↗

[Large hairy pigmented spots in neurofibromatosis type 1: an atypical form of neurofibromas].

INTRODUCTION: Large hairy pigmented spots have been observed in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. In this study we tried to determine the nature and the frequency of these hairy pigmented spots in neurofibromatosis type 1. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In patients with neurofibromatosis type 1, hairy pigmented spots with a diameter more than 3 cm were systematically notified. Realisation of the biopsy of the spot was proposed to the patient. RESULTS: Among 614 patients with neurofibromatosis type 1, seven (1.1 p. 100) had a large hairy pigmented spot. Biopsy was realized in six cases. In five cases, diagnosis was superficial and plexiform neurofibroma, the 6(th) case was a Becker's nevus. CONCLUSION: Large hairy pigmented spot is a rare aspect of superficial and plexiform neurofibroma during neurofibromatosis type 1. A biopsy may be useful if it is necessary for the disorder diagnosis.

Adolescent↗

From sound to silence: a case study of neurofibromatosis type II.

Neurofibromatosis is a disease that occurs in both males and females of all races and ethnic groups. It is inherited as a dominant disorder but can also occur as a new mutation. Neurofibromatosis was formerly considered a single disorder with at least two variations. However, it is currently known to be two distinct entities, Neurofibromatosis Type I (NF I), which is caused by a defective gene localized to chromosome 17 and Neurofibromatosis Type II (NF II), which is caused by a defective gene localized to chromosome 22. NF II is the less common form, affecting 1 in 40,000 persons. The distinguishing clinical feature of NF II is the presence of bilateral vestibular schwannomas. This is a case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with a mild hearing loss in the left ear and a nine month history of prominent hearing loss in the right ear. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral enhancing lesions in the cerebellopontine angle which extend into the internal auditory canal, consistent with vestibular schwannoma. He has no family history of Neurofibromatosis.

Adolescent↗