A case of familial angiolipomatosis with Lisch nodules.

Familial angiolipomatosis is a rare syndrome that may be confused clinically with neurofibromatosis type 1. This condition is most often inherited in an autosomal recessive manner; however, several reports have been published suggesting an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Angiolipomatosis, although somewhat disfiguring, is a benign condition with no known association with malignant neoplasms. This is in contradistinction to neurofibromatosis, an autosomal dominant syndrome associated with a myriad of benign and malignant neoplasms. It is, therefore, important to discriminate this entity from neurofibromatosis when a patient presents with multiple subcutaneous tumors and a family history of similar lesions. Described is a case of a prison inmate with a history of seizures and "neurofibromatosis" without clinical documentation. Lisch nodules were noted on the irides. Postmortem examination showed multiple subcutaneous yellow tumors on the chest and arms. Fine-needle aspiration of 1 mass yielded adipose tissue with prominent vessels; histologic sections of another mass showed angiolipoma. The remainder of the autopsy showed significant coronary artery disease and a remote cerebral infarction of the temporal lobe but no signs of neurofibromatosis. We feel that the presence of multiple angiolipomas in combination with Lisch nodules lends credence to the proposed relationship between fatty tumors and neurofibromatosis suggested by other authors.     

Neurofibromatosis type I (NFI) in Israeli families: Linkage analysis as a diagnostic tool

Linkage analysis of 18 neurofibromatosis type I (NFI) families was performed using intragenic and flanking polymorphic markers. The aims of the analysis were prenatal diagnosis of at-risk fetuses, and of asymptomatic individuals who were relatives of NFI patients. Prenatal diagnosis was performed in 9 pregnancies of 7 families; 5 fetuses were diagnosed as affected. In 6 families with an affected spouse, the request was to identify informative polymorphisms to be used in future pregnancies. Presymptomatic diagnosis was performed in 4 families. One individual, a brother of an NFI patient, was found to have Lisch nodules as the only NFI symptom. Linkage analysis indicated that if this person is a carrier of the NFI gene, he must be a product of intragenic crossover. In 2 individuals with a new NFI mutation, the origin of the NFI-bearing chromosomes was paternal. The same observation was noted by others. A summary of published cases shows that some 90% of the NFI-bearing chromosomes of patients with new mutations were of paternal origin. We therefore suggest that for the purpose of prenatal diagnosis in carriers of NFI new (and unidentified) mutations, the paternal chromosome will be considered as the NFI-bearing chromosome. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

A clinical study of type 1 neurofibromatosis in north west England

A clinical study of patients on the North West Regional Genetic Register with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) identified 523 affected cases from 304 families. In those for whom relevant information was available, 86.7% (383 of 442) had more than six café au lait patches, 83.8% (310 of 370) had axillary freckling, 42.3% (151 of 357) had inguinal freckling, and 63% (157 of 249) had Lisch nodules. Cutaneous neurofibromas were present in 59.4% (217 of 365) and 45.5% (150 of 330) were noted to have subcutaneous tumours. Plexiform neurofibromas were present in 15.3% (80 of 523). A positive family history of NF1 was found in 71.2% (327 of 459) and 28.8% (132 of 459) of affected patients were considered to be the result of a new mutation. Learning difficulties of varying severity occurred in 62% (186 of 300). CNS tumours associated with NF1 were reported in 9.4% (49) of patients, optic gliomas occurring in 25 of these, 4.8% of patients. Some degree of scoliosis was reported for 11.7% (61), 1.9% (10) had pseudoarthrosis, 4.3% (23) had epilepsy, and 2.1% (11) had spinal neurofibromas. Actuarial analyses were carried out for both optic glioma and malignant nerve sheath tumours and the data are presented.     

Screening of neurofibromatosis type 1 gene: identification of a large deletion and of an intronic variant

Neurofibromatosis type 1 of von Recklinghausen is a common autosomal dominant disorder, characterized by peripheral neurofibromas, café-au-lait spots and Lisch nodules of the iris. The high mutation rate at the neurofibromatosis type 1 locus results in a wide range of molecular abnormalities. We have screened seven different exons of the neurofibromatosis type 1 gene, including those codifying for the GAP-related domain, using the RNA-Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (RNA-SSCP) method in a series of 59 neurofibromatosis type 1 patients. We have also analyzed four intragenic repeats and one RFLP to detect hemizygosity and evaluate informativeness in at-risk families. One deletion and a new intronic normal variant have been detected. Thus the majority of Neurofibromatosis type 1 chromosomes have not been characterized, confirming difficulty in providing proper genetic counselling in neurofibromatosis type 1 families, even following extensive DNA analysis.     

Prenatal diagnosis of a trisomy 7/maternal uniparental heterodisomy 7 mosaic fetus

This article describes four patients with non-ossifying fibromas (NOFs) and multiple café-au-lait spots. Two of the patients were diagnosed with NOFs when they presented with a femur fracture. The other two patients were diagnosed with NOFs because of complaints of leg problems. In addition, axillary freckles and Lisch nodules were present in all four patients and multiple cutaneous neurofibromas in two patients. These four patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and also have been diagnosed with Jaffe-Campanacci syndrome. We propose that Jaffe-Campanacci syndrome is a manifestation of NF1 and suggest that patients with NF1 should have more rigorous radiographic screening of the long bones during early adolescence or adulthood to determine the presence or absence of NOFs. Appropriate intervention (exercise restriction, bracing, and/or surgery) might decrease the long-term disability associated with Jaffe-Campanacci syndrome.     

Adrenal medullary tumors and iris proliferation in a transgenic mouse model of neurofibromatosis.

The expression of the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) tax gene in transgenic mice has been shown to result in the development of neurofibromas. Further characterization of these transgenic mice has revealed other significant pathologic similarities between this transgenic mouse model and human neurofibromatosis (NF). Pheochromocytomas of the adrenal medulla and hamartomas of the iris are well-recognized manifestations of human NF. Adrenal medullary tumors have been found in 68% of transgenic animals that were studied. They appear, however, not to be pheochromocytomas, but rather composed of undifferentiated spindle cells. Proliferation of fibroblastlike cells in the iris also occurs in one-half of the transgenic animals surviving more than 6 months. Melanocytes, however, have not been found in the transgenic iris lesion, although they are characteristically found in the Lisch nodules of human NF. The similarities between human neurofibromatosis and this transgenic mouse model (in which the overexpression of a single gene results in neoplasia) are discussed. This transgenic system may provide further insights into molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of neurofibromatosis.     

Identification of Large NF1 Duplications Reciprocal to NAHR‐Mediated Type‐1 NF1 Deletions

Approximately 5% of all patients with neurofibromatosis type‐1 (NF1) exhibit large deletions of the NF1 gene region. To date, only nine unrelated cases of large NF1 duplications have been reported, with none of the affected patients exhibiting multiple café au lait spots (CALS), Lisch nodules, freckling, or neurofibromas, the hallmark signs of NF1. Here, we have characterized two novel NF1 duplications, one sporadic and one familial. Both index patients with NF1 duplications exhibited learning disabilities and atypical CALS. Additionally, patient R609021 had Lisch nodules, whereas patient R653070 exhibited two inguinal freckles. The mother and sister of patient R609021 also harbored the NF1 duplication and exhibited cognitive dysfunction but no CALS. The breakpoints of the nine NF1 duplications reported previously have not been identified and hence their underlying generative mechanisms have remained unclear. In this study, we performed high‐resolution breakpoint analysis that indicated that the two duplications studied were mediated by nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR) and that the duplication breakpoints were located within the NAHR hotspot paralogous recombination site 2 (PRS2), which also harbors the type‐1 NF1 deletion breakpoints. Hence, our study indicates for the first time that NF1 duplications are reciprocal to type‐1 NF1 deletions and originate from the same NAHR events.     

A genetic study of von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis in south east Wales. II. Guidelines for genetic counselling.

The age of appearance and diagnostic value of the major defining features of von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF-1) have been studied in 168 cases from 73 families. In assessing children of an affected patient, those who have inherited the gene can be distinguished from their normal sibs on the basis of whether or not café au lait (CAL) spots are present by the age of five years. Lisch nodules appear before cutaneous neurofibromas and are a useful clinical aid in the assessment of unusual cases, those in whom the diagnosis is equivocal, and children with multiple CAL spots but no family history of NF-1. Sixty-nine of the families were identified through a population based study in south east Wales and the frequency of complications in 135 affected subjects from these families has been used to develop figures for genetic counselling. For these purposes, the complications of NF-1 can be usefully divided into four categories: intellectual handicap (33%) (moderate/severe retardation 3.2%, minimal retardation/learning difficulties 29.8%); complications developing in childhood and causing lifelong morbidity (8.5%); 'treatable' complications which can develop at any age (15.7%); and malignant or CNS tumours (4.4 to 5.2%).     

p.Arg1809Cys substitution in neurofibromin is associated with a distinctive NF1 phenotype without neurofibromas

Analysis of 786 NF1 mutation-positive subjects with clinical diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) allowed to identify the heterozygous c.5425C>T missense variant (p.Arg1809Cys) in six (0.7%) unrelated probands (three familial and three sporadic cases), all exhibiting a mild form of disease. Detailed clinical characterization of these subjects and other eight affected relatives showed that all individuals had multiple cafè-au-lait spots, frequently associated with skinfold freckling, but absence of discrete cutaneous or plexiform neurofibromas, Lisch nodules, typical NF1 osseous lesions or symptomatic optic gliomas. Facial features in half of the individuals were suggestive of Noonan syndrome. Our finding and revision of the literature consistently indicate that the c.5425C>T change is associated with a distinctive, mild form of NF1, providing new data with direct impact on genetic counseling and patient management.     

Unusual features in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: multiple subcutaneous lipomas, a juvenile polyp in ascending colon, congenital intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt, and horseshoe kidney

We report a case that draws attention to a hitherto undescribed association of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) with juvenile polyp, congenital intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt, multiple subcutaneous lipomas, and horseshoe kidney. Our patient has fulfilled the National Institutes of Health consensus conference criteria for NF1 by having neurofibromas, axillary freckling, Lisch nodules, and café-au-lait spots. There is no family history of NF1 and his 7-year-old son has no stigmata of NF1. On the other hand, the patient's family had a presumably dominant inheritance of horseshoe kidney: the father, proband, sister, and son of the other sister had a horseshoe kidney. The patient was investigated for mutations in the NF1 gene and PTEN, but no germline mutations were detected. The differential diagnosis for such a collection of hamartomatous, cutaneous, and vascular disorders includes the Proteus, Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba, and Cowden syndromes. None of these diagnoses was convincingly confirmed in this patient.     

Watson syndrome: is it a subtype of type 1 neurofibromatosis?

Over 20 years ago, Watson described three families with a condition characterised by pulmonary valvular stenosis, café au lait patches, and dull intelligence. Short stature is an additional feature of this autosomal dominant condition. A fourth family with Watson syndrome has since been reported. We have had the opportunity to review members of three of these four families. The clinical phenotype of Watson syndrome has been expanded to include relative macrocephaly and Lisch nodules in the majority of affected subjects, and neurofibromas in one-third of family members. Because the additional clinical findings enhance the similarity between Watson syndrome and neurofibromatosis 1, molecular linkage studies have been performed using probes flanking the NF1 gene on chromosome 17. Probe HHH202 showed the tightest linkage to Watson syndrome with a maximum lod score of 3.59 at phi = 0.0 (95% confidence limits of phi = 0.0-0.15). This suggests either that Watson syndrome and neurofibromatosis 1 are allelic, or that there is a series of contiguous genes for pulmonary stenosis, neurocutaneous anomalies, short stature, and mental retardation on 17q.     

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.     

Neurofibromatosis 1 and osseous fibrous dysplasia in a family

We report on the consegregation of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF 1) and osseous fibrous dysplasia in a family. The father and 3 children by 2 women are affected. A fourth child had neither NF 1 nor osseous fibrous dysplasia. All 4 affected individuals had NF 1, i.e., caféau-lait spots in 4, neurofibromata in 4, Lisch nodules in 3, macrocrania in 3, scoliosis in 2, and curvature of the long bones in 2. Each demonstrated various fibroosseous lesions of the skeleton including non-ossifying fibromas in 3 and both non-ossifying fibromas and fibrous dysplasia in one. This pattern suggests that the fibrous bony lesions are a component of NF 1 in this family. Alternatively, a mutant gene resulting in the fibrous changes in bone could be linked to the gene for NF 1. Another possibility is the coincidence of the 2 non-linked traits segregating in the same family. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Clinical and genetic aspects of neurofibromatosis 1

Neurofibromatosis 1 is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple café-au-lait spots, axillary and inguinal freckling, multiple cutaneous neurofibromas, and iris Lisch nodules. Learning disabilities are present in at least 50% of individuals with neurofibromatosis 1. Less common but potentially more serious manifestations include plexiform neurofibromas, optic nerve and other central nervous system gliomas, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, scoliosis, tibial dysplasia, and vasculopathy. The diagnosis of neurofibromatosis 1 is usually based on clinical findings. Neurofibromatosis 1, one of the most common Mendelian disorders, is caused by heterozygous mutations of the NF1 gene. Almost one half of all affected individuals have de novo mutations. Molecular genetic testing is available clinically but is infrequently needed for diagnosis. Disease management includes referral to specialists for treatment of complications involving the eye, central or peripheral nervous system, cardiovascular system, spine, or long bones. Surgery to remove both benign and malignant tumors or to correct skeletal manifestations is sometimes warranted. Annual physical examination by a physician familiar with the disorder is recommended. Other recommendations include ophthalmologic examinations annually in children and less frequently in adults, regular developmental assessment in children, regular blood pressure monitoring, and magnetic resonance imaging for follow-up of clinically suspected intracranial and other internal tumors.     

Neurofibromatosis 1 and osseous fibrous dysplasia in a family.

We report on the cosegregation of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF 1) and osseous fibrous dysplasia in a family. The father and 3 children by 2 women are affected. A fourth child had neither NF 1 nor osseous fibrous dysplasia. All 4 affected individuals had NF 1, i.e., café-au-lait spots in 4, neurofibromata in 4, Lisch nodules in 3, macrocrania in 3, scoliosis in 2, and curvature of the long bones in 2. Each demonstrated various fibroosseous lesions of the skeleton including non-ossifying fibromas in 3 and both non-ossifying fibromas and fibrous dysplasia in one. This pattern suggests that the fibrous bony lesions are a component of NF 1 in this family. Alternatively, a mutant gene resulting in the fibrous changes in bone could be linked to the gene for NF 1. Another possibility is the coincidence of the 2 non-linked traits segregating in the same family.     

Renal sclerosing peritubular nodules in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 2: a case report with immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies

Kidney lesions in patients with von Recklinghausen typically include blood vessels with smooth muscle proliferation resulting in hypertension, and perirenal nerve sheath tumors. In the English language literature, there is only 1 report published more than 25 years ago that described a previously unrecognized renal parenchymal lesion, termed sclerosing peritubular nodules, in 3 members of a family affected by von Recklinghausen disease. These nodules were examined by light microscopy, histochemistry, and electron microscopy; they proved to be derived from interstitial cells, and the proliferating cells showed myofibroblastic differentiation by electron microscopy. We report a case of a 22-year-old man with hereditary neurofibromatosis type 2 who died with complications of the disease. He underwent autopsy, and his kidneys showed this unique lesion. We examined these peritubular proliferations with immunohistochemistry, histochemistry, and electron microscopy and compared our findings with the previous report in the literature.     

Specimen adequacy and diagnostic specificity of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirations of nonpalpable thyroid nodules

Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (USG-FNA) is a safe, effective, and dependable test used to assess thyroid nodules. However, the size of the lesion can adversely affect the outcome of the procedure. The aim of this study was to assess specimen adequacy and diagnostic specificity in USG-FNA of thyroid nodules measuring < or = 1.5 cm. A total of 219 thyroid FNAs were performed in a one year; 26 were obtained by pathologists, 139 by clinicians, and 54 by radiologists under ultrasound guidance. Of the 54 ultrasound-guided aspirates, 19 cases (35%) were performed on nodules < or = 1.5 cm (range 0.8-1.5 cm, mean 1.3 cm). Cytologic material from these 19 cases was reviewed along with corresponding available follow-up surgical material. Standard criteria for specimen adequacy and established morphologic criteria for diagnostic specificity were assessed in each case. All 19 cases met criteria for specimen adequacy, and in 17 cases (89%) specific cytologic diagnoses were made (cellular/adenomatous nodule--2 cases, colloid nodule--10 cases, Hashimoto's thyroiditis--4 cases, and papillary cystic carcinoma--1 case). The diagnoses were confirmed by surgical follow-up in six cases including the case of papillary carcinoma. One case diagnosed as suspicious for a papillary carcinoma subsequently was found to be a follicular adenoma by histology. In one case, a diagnosis of lymphocytic thyroiditis versus intrathyroidal lymphoid tissue was made (See Table I). In majority of cases of USG-FNA of nonpalpable thyroid nodules, adequate material may be obtained for a specific cytopathologic diagnosis.     

Rheumatic Aschoff nodules revisited: an immunohistological reappraisal of the cellular component

Rheumatic fever is still the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children and young adults in developing countries. Recent reports have documented a rising incidence of rheumatic fever in both the USA and Europe. The disease is characterized by specific lesions in the heart muscle and valves called Aschoff nodules. The Aschoff nodule has been neglected in the last few decades as most of the studies were conducted in the 1960s on autopsy tissues. This study examines Aschoff nodules using heart valve material obtained at valve surgery with updated commercially available immunohistochemical antibodies to determine the phenotypic characteristics of the cells involved in the formation of these lesions. Fifteen cases of rheumatic valvulitis, as indicated by the presence of Aschoff nodules, were examined. The Anitschkow and Aschoff cells stained prominently with macrophage markers. Three stages of nodules with Aschoff and Anitschkow cells were identified: stage 1, central fibrinoid necrosis without lymphocytes, stage 2 with occasional T lymphocytes (< 10) and stage 3 with lymphoid aggregates containing both T- and B-lymphocytes (with occasional admixed macrophages). We propose that the stage 1 lesion is the earliest granulomatous stage with the lymphoid aggregates being a later stage in the development of Aschoff nodules. The Aschoff and Anitschkow cells demonstrated mitotic activity and stained with antibodies to the proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) suggesting that the multinucleated giant cells may be formed, at least partially, by nuclear division rather than fusion.     

Choroidal abnormalities in café‐au‐lait syndromes: a new differential diagnostic tool?

The best known café‐au‐lait syndrome is neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Legius syndrome (LS) is another, rarer syndrome with café‐au‐lait macules (CALMs). In young patients their clinical picture is often indistinguishable. We investigated the presence of choroidal abnormalities in syndromes with CALMs as a candidate tool for a more efficient diagnosis. Thirty‐four patients with NF1 (14 with a truncating mutation, 14 with a non‐truncating mutation and 6 with unknown mutation) and 11 patients with LS. All patients underwent an ophthalmological examination. Infrared images were performed. Choroidal nodules were diagnosed in 65% of the NF1 group. About 71% of NF1 patients with a truncating mutation and 50% of patients with a non‐truncating mutation were found to have nodules. Choroidal nodules were seen in 18% of the LS patients, never more than one nodule/eye was detected in this group. Choroidal nodules are more abundantly present in NF1 genotypes with truncating mutations. In contrast, the number of choroidal nodules in LS is comparable with their presence in healthy individuals. Especially at an early age, when the clinical picture is incomplete, the detection of choroidal nodules is of diagnostic value, and helps in an appropriate genetic counselling and follow‐up. These results support the suggestion to include choroidal nodules to the diagnostic criteria for NF1.