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Segmental neurofibromatosis in childhood.

Segmental neurofibromatosis refers to individuals who have manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) limited to one area of the body. It results from a post-conceptional mutation in the NF-1 gene leading to somatic mosaicism. Although it is generally considered a rare condition, this report of 39 children with segmental NF-1 demonstrates that it is commonly seen in a pediatric NF-1 referral center. The mean age at diagnosis was 7.8 years (range: 2-25 years). Twenty-nine patients had only pigmentary manifestations of segmental NF-1, including seven who had only café-au-lait macules and 22 who had café-au-lait macules and freckling. Two patients had isolated plexiform neurofibromas; a third patient had a plexiform neurofibroma of the eyelid in addition to ipsilateral dysplasia of the sphenoid wing and Lisch nodules. A 12-year-old girl had an isolated tibial pseudarthrosis. An 8-year-old boy had an isolated optic pathway tumor, which behaved both biologically and radiographically as an NF1-associated tumor. While most children with segmental NF-1 have only localized pigmentary changes, some children will have isolated plexiform neurofibromas, pseudarthroses, or optic pathway tumors. Accurate diagnosis of segmental NF-1 is crucial for both management and genetic counseling.

Adolescent↗

Tumorigenic properties of neurofibromin-deficient Schwann cells in culture and as syngrafts in Nf1 knockout mice.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common dominantly inherited genetic diseases associated with the nervous system. Functional loss of the NF1 tumor suppressor is frequently associated with the generation of benign neurofibromas that can progress to malignancy. Recent evidence in genetic mouse models indicates that the development of neurofibromas requires a loss of Nf1 in the cells destined to become neoplastic as well as heterozygosity in nonneoplastic cells. We tested this hypothesis in a newly developed syngraft mouse model in which Nf1-/- Schwann cells isolated from knockout embryos were grafted into the sciatic nerves of Nf1+/- mice, corresponding to the genetic background of NF1 patients. Furthermore, we also characterized in vitro growth of these cells. We found that embryonic mouse Nf1-/- Schwann cells exhibit increased proliferation and less growth factor-dependence in vitro compared with heterozygous and wild-type counterparts. Moreover, Nf1-/- Schwann cells showed tumorigenic growth when implanted into nerve of adult Nf1 heterozygous mice. These findings support the conclusion that loss of Nf1 in embryonic mouse Schwann cells is sufficient for tumor development in the heterozygous environment of adult mouse nerve. In addition, this syngraft model provides a practical means for the controlled induction of neurofibromas, greatly facilitating localized application of therapeutic agents and gene delivery.

Animals↗

Radiological investigation of neurofibromatosis type 2.

The radiological findings in six patients fulfilling the criteria of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) were reviewed. Subtle cutaneous lesions were found in three. All patients had bilateral acoustic schwannomas; two had small acoustic tumours and normal hearing. In these patients the presenting symptoms were caused by multiple intracranial meningiomas and spinal neurofibromas, respectively, whereas the remaining four patients presented with hearing loss. Two patients had other cranial nerve tumours. Three patients had rapidly growing multiple intracranial meningiomas; two had multiple spinal neurofibromas and one a spinal meningioma. NF2 is a rare disease with few cutaneous but frequent, typical radiological findings in the central nervous system. The presenting symptom is most commonly hearing loss due to acoustic schwannomas, although symptoms emanating from other intracranial or tumours are not uncommon. The discovery of multiple meningiomas or multiple spinal neurofibromas without cutaneous lesions should initiate a search for acoustic schwannomas even when the patient has normal hearing.

Adolescent↗

The distribution of alpha and beta subunits of S-100 protein in malignant schwannomas arising from neurofibromatosis of von Recklinghausen's disease.

The immunohistochemical localization of the alpha and beta subunits of S-100 protein in 4 cases of the malignant Schwannomas arising from von Recklinghausen's disease was investigated by the indirect immunoperoxidase method. S-100 alpha-positive cells were few in presumably normal peripheral nerves, moderate in numbers in plexiform neurofibromas and numerous in malignant Schwannomas. In contrast, S-100 beta immunoreactivity, abundantly detected in normal peripheral nerves and plexiform neurofibromas, was completely negative in all of 4 cases of malignant Schwannoma. In addition, double immunostaining method for both subunits revealed their simultaneous existence in cells in the normal nerves and neurofibroma. These results suggest that malignant change of Schwann cells convert their subunit composition of S-100 protein from beta to alpha in these malignant cells. Although the mechanisms for the proportional conversion of the subunits are as yet undetermined, the immunoreactivity of S-100 alpha subunit may be a useful marker for Schwannoma in malignancy.

Adult↗

[Von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis and dermal melanocytic nevi].

Neurofibromas, café au lait macules and freckles in the axillary or inguinal regions are common manifestations of von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis (NF-1). Less known is the simultaneous appearance of dermal melanocytic naevi. We describe the case of a 21-year-old Vietnamese woman who showed generalized, multiple neurofibromas, a solitary plexiform neurofibroma in the left gluteal region and Lisch nodules. In addition, there were several large grey-blue macules histologically characterized by fusiform pigment-bearing cells in the dermis, which we diagnosed as persistent aberrant mongolian spots. In the right zygomatic region she presented a grey-blue, hair-bearing macule, which we saw as a variant of Ota's naevus. A genetic background for this coincidence of a systemic with a local phakomatosis can be supposed, as both Schwann's cells and melanocytes are derived from the neural crest. Such pathologic rearrangement in the embryogenesis of the cellular elements could be important for the pathogenesis of NF-1 and dermal melanocytic nevi.

Adult↗

Somatostatin receptor imaging in intracranial tumours.

The somatostatin analogue [111In-DTPA-d-Phe1]-octreotide (111In-octreotide) allows scintigraphic visualization of somatostatin receptor-expressing tissue. While it is well known that a large variety of tissues express somatostatin receptors and 111In-octreotide scintigraphy has a clearly defined role in various neuroendocrine diseases, the clinical value of 111In-octreotide scintigraphy in brain tumours is still under clinical investigation. In 124 patients with 141 brain lesions (63 meningiomas, 24 pituitary adenomas, 10 gliomas WHO class I and II, 12 gliomas WHO class III and IV, 11 neurinomas and 2 neurofibromas, 7 metastases and 12 other varieties: three non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas, two epidermoids, one abscess, one angioleiomyoma, one chordoma, one haemangiopericytoma, one osteosarcoma, one plasmacytoma and one pseudocyst), 111In-octreotide scintigraphy was performed 4-6 and 24 h after i.v. injection of 110-220 MBq 111In-octreotide. Planar images of the head in four views with a 128x128 matrix and single-photon emission tomographic images (64x64 matrix) were acquired, and lesions were graded according to qualitative tracer uptake. Fifty-nine of the 63 meningiomas showed moderate to intense tracer uptake. Nine of 24 pituitary adenomas were visible; the remaining 15 did not show any tracer uptake. None of the class I and II gliomas with an intact blood-brain barrier were detected whereas 11/12 class III and IV gliomas showed 111In-octreotide uptake. None of the neurinomas or neurofibromas were positive. Five of seven metastases were classified as positive, as were the osteosarcoma, two of three non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas, one abscess, one angioleiomyoma, one chordoma and one haemangiopericytoma. The other varieties (one non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma, two epidermoids, one plasmacytoma and one pseudocyst) did not show 111In-octreotide uptake. The results demonstrate that a large variety of intracranial lesions express somatostatin receptors and therefore can be visualized by [111In-DTPA-d-Phe1]-octreotide scintigraphy. This technique can be valuable in the differentiation between meningiomas and pituitary adenomas, based on qualitative tracer uptake. [111In-DTPA-d-Phe1]-octreotide scintigraphy allows differentiation between meningiomas and neurinomas or neurofibromas and therefore provides complementary information to computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, this technique allows differentiation between scar tissue and recurrent meningiomas postoperatively and can help in non-invasive tumour differentiation of multiple intracranial lesions, which can be of value in defining the most adequate therapeutic strategy.

Adolescent↗

Segmental neurofibromatosis follows blaschko's lines or dermatomes depending on the cell line affected: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Segmental neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) has the characteristic features of generalized NF-1 but is isolated to a particular segment of the body. Segmental NF-1 results from a postzygotic mutation during embryogenesis in the NF-1 gene on chromosome 17. The embryologic timing of the mutation and cell types affected predict the clinical phenotype. OBJECTIVE: We present a case of a 52-year-old woman with segmental neurofibromas isolated to the right cheek and neck. We review the recent literature on the genetic and cellular differences between the various clinical manifestations of segmental NF-1. METHODS: A MEDLINE search for cases of segmental neurofibromatosis was conducted. RESULTS: In patients with segmental NF-1 presenting as neurofibromas-only, the distribution follows a neural distribution in dermatomes because the genetic mutation appears to be limited to Schwann cells. In patients with pigmentary changes only, the NF-1 mutation has been shown to occur in fibroblasts and the distribution tends to follow the lines of Blaschko. CONCLUSION: Our patient's neurofibromas were secondary to a postzygotic mutation in the NF-1 gene of neural crest-derived cells. This mutation most likely occurred later in embryogenesis in cells that had already differentiated to Schwann cells and were committed to the dermatomal distribution of the right neck and cheek region (C2).

Cheek↗

Potential clinical role of FDG-PET in detecting sarcomatous transformation in von Recklinghausen's disease: a case study and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of sarcomatous transformation of plexiform neurofibromas in Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF 1) is a clinical and radiological challenge. Considerable overlap exists in the clinical and the radiological characteristics between the benign enlarging neurofibromas and their counterparts undergoing malignant changes. Surgical biopsy to rule out suspicious malignant transformation is often a problem in deep seated lesions. METHODS: We, in this paper, explore the clinical utility of FDG-PET in detecting and assessing this life threatening complication of neurofibromas. A case is described with FDG-PET and MRI documentation of such transformation and subsequent histopathological correlation. The case upholds the potential advantages of a FDG-PET over the conventional imaging modalities. A review of the existing literature is also carried out; a total of four published reports on this issue were identified in English literature by searches of Pubmed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: FDG-PET appeared a reliable as well as sensitive noninvasive technique that might minimize unnecessary deep surgical biopsy to rule out malignant transformation in cases of NF-1 with features of enlargement of a preexisting peripheral nerve sheath tumour, pain or neurodeficit.

Adult↗

Neurofibromatosis xenografts. Contribution to pathogenesis.

We transplanted Schwann cells of 3 patients with neurofibromatosis from neurofibromas, sural nerve, and from a malignant schwannoma into sciatic nerves of immunoincompetent mice. Three and six months later, the grafts and distal nerve segments contained normal myelinated fibers. After rendering host animals immune competent again, neurofibroma and malignant schwannoma Schwann cells were rejected, but grafts retained normally myelinated fibers indicating that these were of mouse origin. Sural nerve Schwann cells from a neurofibromatosis patient were rejected also leaving naked axons in the grafted segments showing that human Schwann cells from the sural nerve of one patient had invested and myelinated the regenerating mouse axons. The nature of putative signals passing between axons and Schwann cells might be elucidated by the combination of human and animal cells in immunoincompetent host nerves. Hypothetical signals for myelination of mouse axons were normally received by sural nerve Schwann cells of a patient with neurofibromatosis, but not by Schwann cells from neurofibromas or malignant schwannomas.

Animals↗

Spontaneous chromosomal aberrations in cell cultures from patients with neurofibromatosis 1.

Neurofibroma-derived cell cultures, skin fibroblast strains from NF1 patients, melanocyte cultures from café-au-lait spots and melanocytes from skin overlying neurofibroma were investigated with regard to the frequencies of spontaneous chromosomal aberrations. A 3.4-fold increased rate of stable and unstable chromosome aberrations in 34 neurofibroma cultures of 18 NF1 patients was noticed in comparison to 17 skin biopsy-derived cultures of healthy probands. Fibroblast strains from the unaffected skin of nine NF1 patients revealed a 2.6-fold higher rate of chromosome breakage compared with the control cultures. Likewise, an increase of spontaneous chromosomal instability by a factor of 13.5 was found in cultured melanocytes from café-au-lait spots and by a factor of 11.9 in the skin-melanocyte cultures of six NF1 patients in comparison to foreskin-derived melanocyte strains of five unaffected persons. Analyses of the distribution of chromatid and chromosome breaks along the chromosomes revealed a significant clustering of these events in the centromeric regions specifically in the four kinds of NF1-derived cultures.

Adult↗

Hypertrophy of clitoral hood: presenting sign of neurofibromatosis in female child.

Although clitoral involvement with neurofibromatosis is rare, all cases previously reported have described clitoral hypertrophy due to neurofibromas of the clitoral corpora. We report on a patient who had localized enlargement of the prepuce only, with no evidence of neurofibromatous infiltration. In all cases, diagnosis of clitoromegaly requires basic chromosomal and endocrinologic evaluation. However, recognition of its association with neurofibromatosis due to either neurofibromas of the genitalia or localized genital hypertrophy may spare the patient an unnecessary or invasive evaluation. Because of an association with urinary tract neurofibromas, the patient with genital involvement should have cystoscopy. Clitoroplasty with sparing of the neurovascular bundle and glans is the preferred method of management of the enlarged clitoris.

Child, Preschool↗

Assessment of vertebral scalloping in neurofibromatosis type 1 with plain radiography and MRI.

AIM: To evaluate vertebral scalloping in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) and spinal deformity using plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to determine the possible aetiological association with neurofibromas, dural ectasia and lateral meningocoeles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with NF-1, who had full spine radiographs and whole-spine MRI, were retrospectively reviewed. Dystrophic features and their relationship to the curve were recorded from radiographs. A comparison was then made between the dystrophic features evident on radiographs and adjacent soft-tissue abnormalities identified on MRI. RESULTS: Dystrophic changes were documented in 16 patients on plain radiographs and in all patients on MRI. Rib pencilling was the most common finding on radiographs. In 80% of the cases with scoliosis, scalloping was seen on the concavity of the curvature. In all patients with kyphoscoliosis, scalloping was contiguous to the apex of kyphosis. Twenty-four areas of scalloping were identified on MRI. Scalloping usually developed in the concavity of the scoliotic curve or at levels unrelated to the curve. Scalloping was evident in combination with dural ectasia or neurofibroma in 15 cases. The presence of dural ectasia was confirmed in 75% of the cases of posterior scalloping and in 25% of those of lateral scalloping. The presence of neurofibromas was recognized in 25% of the cases of anterior or lateral scalloping. Dural ectasia was identified in two patients without associated scalloping. Lateral meningocoeles were not related to the development of scalloping. CONCLUSION: Whereas posterior scalloping was commonly associated with dural ectasia, anterior and lateral scalloping were commonly the result of primary mesodermal dysplasia.

Adolescent↗

Methylation analysis of the neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) promoter in peripheral nerve sheath tumours.

Peripheral nerve sheath tumours are hallmarks of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Development of plexiform neurofibromas to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNST) is common. The NF1 gene promoter harbours a hypomethylated CpG island. Thus, methylation changes may be involved in the development of different types of neurofibromas and malignant transformation. We investigated NF1-associated dermal (n=9) and plexiform neurofibromas (n=7), MPNST (n=5) and non-NF1 leucocyte samples (n=20) for their methylation pattern by bisulphite genomic sequencing. We could not find global hypermethylation in the NF1 promoter in our series. Nevertheless, site-specific methylation, involving transcription factor binding sites for SP1, CRE (-10), and AP-2, was observed. One region of the 5'-UTR (untranslated region) overlapping with a putative AP-2 binding site was methylated at 30-100% in 4/20 control samples. In conclusion, we did not find hypermethylation in NF1-associated tumours. Instead, low level methylation could parallel a global genomic hypomethylation in malignancy.

Antioxidants↗

Neurofibromatosis: bladder involvement with malignant degeneration.

A solitary neurofibroma of the urinary tract is rare. More rare in the urinary tract are neurofibromas associated with the neurofibromatosis of Von Recklinghausen's disease. A case of multiple neurofibromas of the bladder degenerating into neurofibrosarcoma is described.

Humans↗

Neurofibromatosis with involvement of the prostate gland.

Urologic manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1 are rare. The most common urologic area of involvement has been the urinary bladder. Prostate involvement in generalized neurofibromatosis has been noted previously in only 10 patients, 3 of whom were adults. Of these 3, 1 had a neurofibroma, 1 had a malignant schwannoma, and 1 patient died before tissue diagnosis could be obtained. The patient discussed in this report is the second known adult patient with biopsy-proven neurofibroma of the prostate gland. In addition, this is the first reported use of endorectal magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate to localize and specify the extent of neurofibromas in these patients.

Adult↗

Segmental neurofibromatosis: case reports and review.

Segmental neurofibromatosis (neurofibromatosis type V) is a rare disorder characterized by café-lu-lait macules and neurofibromas, or only neurofibromas, limited to one region of the body. Three patients with segmental neurofibromatosis are described, and cases of this condition in the world literature are reviewed. Segmental neurofibromatosis has only been described in 82 patients, including our three. The median age at onset was 28 years and the incidence was higher in women (58%). The neurofibromas most commonly occupied either a cervical or thoracic dermatome and were unilateral, occurring more often on the right side (43 patients) than the left (34 patients). Café-au-lait macules were present in 26% of patients. Axillary freckling was described in only nine patients. Disease-associated systemic involvement was uncommon. Most patients with segmental neurofibromatosis (93%) do not have a family history of neurofibromatosis.

Adult↗

Gains in chromosomes 7, 8q, 15q and 17q are characteristic changes in malignant but not in benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors from patients with Recklinghausen's disease.

In order to investigate typical genomic alterations in patients with Recklinghausen's disease (NF1) we studied one from each of the six patients with NF1 several benign and/or malignant tumors. By means of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) gained results from six benign neurofibromas and 14 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) were compared with four benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors (BPNSTs) from patients without NF1. In all 14 MPNSTs DNA sequence copy number changes were detected with a mean value of 13.5 imbalances per sample. The most frequent gains were in 8q, 17q (12 tumors each), 7p, 15q (ten tumors each), and 7q (nine tumors). We found ten high-level amplifications in nine of the 14 samples. In two cases, the high-level amplification involved 7p14-pter and 17q24-qter as well. The most frequent loss was in 17p (seven tumors). The benign neurofibromas from NF1-patients and the sporadic BPNSTs revealed only partially DNA sequence copy number changes without any distinct pattern. The gains of #7, 8q, 15q, and 17q were found exclusively in MPNSTs but not in neurofibromas and are supposed to be associated with malignant tumor progression. In comparison of the results of the 14 MPNSTs from NF1-patients with the results of previously published 20 sporadic MPNSTs, we found that the gain of 8q occurs most frequently in both tumor groups. Of course additionally in the sporadic MPNSTs there were more frequent gains of 5p, #6, and statistically significant gains of 20q. On the other hand in the MPNSTs from NF1-patients the most frequent gains were found in #7, and statistically significant in 15q, and 17q.

Adult↗

Genetic alterations in a malignant schwannoma from a patient with neurofibromatosis (NF1).

In a patient with neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen disease; NF1), normal lymphocytes, five cutaneous neurofibromas, and tumour tissue from a recurrence of a malignant schwannoma were analysed for genetic alterations. Eleven DNA markers located on chromosome 17 and nine randomly chosen markers representing chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11, were analysed. High resolution Giemsa banding of lymphocytes revealed no chromosomal rearrangement. The DNA from the neurofibromas were all found to have the same restricted fragment length polymorphism pattern as the constitutional DNA from the patient. In the malignant schwannoma a complete loss of one allele was found at polymorphic loci on chromosome arm 17p. One gene copy of the TP53 gene (17p13.1) and the NF1 gene (17q11.2) was lost, as was one copy of the PGA gene (11q13). No mutations were detected in the mutational hotspots of the TP53 gene. Partial losses were detected at three loci on chromosomes 1, 2 and 6, indicating a clonal variation within the tumour since histological evaluation disclosed no normal tissue in the analysed specimen. Our data indicate that the NF1 gene may function as a tumour suppressor gene, and that, either by effect of dose reduction or complete inactivation, both the NF1 gene and the TP53 gene may be critical for the progression of a neurofibroma to a malignant schwannoma. The observations made are consistent with the concept of stepwise multigenetic changes in tumour progression.

Adult↗