135: Neurofibromatosis Flashcards
What are the five distinct clinical syndromes associated with neurofibromatosis?
- NF-1 (Von-Recklinghausen disease)
- NF-2
- Segmental/Mosaic NF-1
- Legius syndrome
- Schwannomatosis
What is the inheritance pattern of Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1)?
NF-1 is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with 100% penetrance.
What are the genotype-phenotype correlations associated with NF-1?
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Deletion of entire gene:
- Increased risk of facial dysmorphism, intellectual disability, early appearance of neurofibromas, and presence of plexiform neurofibromas.
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Specific 3 base pair-in frame deletion in exon 17 of NF-1:
- Associated with CALM, IF, Lisch nodules but does not develop cutaneous or plexiform neurofibromas.
What is the significance of the NF1 gene in neurofibromatosis?
NF1 is located on the long arm of chromosome 17 and encodes for neurofibromin.
How does the severity of NF-1 inheritance differ between maternal and paternal lines?
The severity of NF-1 is greater with maternal inheritance compared to paternal inheritance.
What is the outcome of a homozygous NF-1 mutation?
A homozygous NF-1 mutation is considered lethal.
What is the incidence of neurofibromatosis in live births?
1 in 3000 live births.
What are cutaneous neurofibromas and how do they differ from subcutaneous neurofibromas?
Cutaneous neurofibromas are softer and protrude just above the skin surface, while subcutaneous neurofibromas arise from peripheral nerves and are generally harder.
What are plexiform neurofibromas and their potential complications?
Plexiform neurofibromas may lead to disfigurement, blindness, or organ dysfunction due to compression of vital structures.
What is the significance of loss of heterozygosity of NF-1 in somatic cells?
Loss of heterozygosity of NF-1 leads to the inactivation of the normal NF-1 allele, responsible for tumorigenesis and development of discrete and plexiform dermal neurofibromas.
What role does neurofibromin play in cellular function?
Neurofibromin acts as a negative regulator of RAS, particularly K-RAS, favoring the inactive state (GDP).
What are Café au Lait spots and their clinical significance in NF-1?
Café au Lait spots (CALM) are flat pigmented macules that are often the first manifestation of NF-1, present at birth.
What is intertriginous freckling and its association with NF-1?
Intertriginous freckling (IF) refers to CALM spots that are less than 5mm in size, found in areas such as the axillae, inguinal region, and under the breast.
What are discrete neurofibromas and their relevance in NF-1?
Discrete neurofibromas are benign tumors that can develop in individuals with NF-1.
What initiates tumorigenesis in NF-1?
Tumorigenesis is initiated when both copies of the NF-1 gene cease functioning normally.
What is the function of neurofibromin?
Neurofibromin is a negative regulator of RAS, particularly K-RAS, favoring the inactive state (GDP).
What happens to neurofibromin levels in NF-1 gene mutation?
There are reduced intracellular levels of neurofibromin.
What is the significance of the size and shape of Café au Lait spots in diagnosing NF-1?
The size, shape, and contour of CALM are of no diagnostic significance.
What are the characteristics of cutaneous neurofibromas in NF-1?
- Softer than surrounding tissue
- Positive Buttonhole sign
- Protrudes just above the skin surface or lies just under the skin with a violaceous hue.
What is the significance of the ‘Giant café au lait spot’ in relation to plexiform neurofibromas?
The ‘Giant café au lait spot’ is associated with plexiform neurofibromas and indicates overlying hyperpigmentation or hypertrichosis.
What are the symptoms and detection methods for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors arising from plexiform neurofibromas?
Symptoms include:
- Pain
- Rapid growth
- Focal neurologic dysfunction
Detection methods:
1. Biopsy
2. F-FDG PET/CT scan
What percentage of children with NF-1 will develop optic pathway tumors (OPT) and how many will become symptomatic?
15% of children with NF-1 will have optic pathway tumors (OPT), but less than half of these will become symptomatic.
What is the typical treatment for neurofibroma-associated pruritus?
Treatment with antihistamines.
What is the relationship between NF-1 and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors?
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors arise from plexiform neurofibromas.
A patient with NF-1 has a rapidly growing, painful mass in a deep plexiform neurofibroma. What is the most likely complication?
The most likely complication is the development of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.
A child with NF-1 has a café au lait macule with overlying hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis. What is the underlying lesion?
The underlying lesion is a plexiform neurofibroma.
What is the most likely complication of a painful mass in a deep plexiform neurofibroma?
The most likely complication is the development of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.
How can a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor be diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be made using F-FDG PET/CT scan or biopsy.
What is the underlying lesion in a child with NF-1 who has a café au lait macule with overlying hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis?
The underlying lesion is a plexiform neurofibroma.
It may lead to disfigurement, blindness, or loss of limb function depending on its location.
What is the diagnostic sign associated with a soft cutaneous neurofibroma that protrudes above the skin surface?
The diagnostic sign is the buttonhole sign, where the lesion feels softer than the surrounding tissue.
What genetic mutation is associated with the transformation of benign to malignant neurofibromas in NF-1?
The transformation is associated with RAS mutation.
What are the potential complications of a thoracic plexiform neurofibroma?
Thoracic plexiform neurofibromas may invade or compress vital structures such as the ureters, bowel, or spinal cord.
What does a ‘wormy’ sensation on palpation of a plexiform neurofibroma indicate?
The ‘wormy’ sensation indicates the involvement of multiple nerve fascicles in the plexiform neurofibroma.
What is a plexiform neurofibroma with overlying hypertrichosis commonly referred to as?
This lesion is commonly referred to as a ‘giant café au lait spot.’
What is the characteristic feel of a subcutaneous neurofibroma on the neck?
The lesion has a ‘bead necklace’ feel.
What is the recommended imaging modality for detecting malignant transformation in a plexiform neurofibroma?
The recommended imaging modality is F-FDG PET/CT scan.
What does a plexiform neurofibroma with a period of rapid growth followed by quiescence indicate?
Plexiform neurofibromas have a highly variable growth pattern with periods of rapid growth alternating with periods of quiescence.
What is the clinical term for a plexiform neurofibroma with overlying hyperpigmentation?
The clinical term for this presentation is a ‘giant café au lait spot.’
What is the period of greatest risk for the development of symptomatic optic pathway tumors (OPT) in children with NF-1?
The first 6 years of life is the period of greatest risk for the development of symptomatic OPT; development after 6 years is unusual.
What are the common ophthalmologic signs associated with symptomatic optic pathway tumors (OPT) in NF-1?
Common ophthalmologic signs include:
- Afferent pupillary defect
- Optic nerve atrophy
- Papilledema
- Strabismus
- Defect in color vision
What are Lisch nodules and their significance in NF-1?
Lisch nodules are slightly raised, well circumscribed melanocytic hamartomas of the iris that are virtually pathognomonic of NF-1 and do not cause functional impairment of vision.
What is sphenoid wing dysplasia and its consequences in NF-1?
Sphenoid wing dysplasia is a congenital mesodermal dysplasia causing poor formation of the wall and/or floor of the orbit, leading to proptosis or enophthalmos.
What is the most commonly affected bone in long bone dysplasia associated with NF-1?
The most commonly affected bone in long bone dysplasia associated with NF-1 is the tibia.
What is pseudarthrosis in the context of long bone dysplasia in NF-1?
Pseudarthrosis, or ‘False joint’, refers to the failure of primary union following a fracture, which can occur in children with long bone dysplasia associated with NF-1.