Abstract
Objective The authors examined the incidence and radiologic characteristics of plexiform neurofibro-mas in neurofibromatosis-1 (NF-1) to define a cohort at greatest risk for malignant nerve-sheath tumors.
Background Plexiform neurofibromas are a frequent complication of NF-1. They can impair function, produce disfigurement, and be the site for the development of malignant nerve-sheath tumors. The incidence and natural history of plexiform neurofibromas is unknown.
Methods CT imaging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis was performed in 91 of 125 consecutive adults (age, 216 years) with NF-1.
Results Twenty percent of patients had plexiform neurofibromas of the chest in the paraspinal, mediastinal, or supraclavicular area. Approximately 40% of patients had abnormal abdominal/pelvic scans. The paraspinal, sacral plexus, sciatic notch, and perirectal regions were the most common sites. Most plexiform neurofibromas were asymptomatic. Imaging also revealed a number of tumors, including malignant nerve-sheath tumors, adrenal tumors, carcinoids, and schwannomas.
Conclusions The frequency of plexiform lesions and other tumors in NF-1 indicates that clinicians should monitor young adults carefully; however, imaging characteristics alone cannot reliably distinguish benign from malignant lesions.
- © 1998 by the American Academy of Neurology.
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