Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis


There are two types of neurofibromatosis, NF1 and NF2. Both are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion

NF1 is also known as von Recklinghausen's syndrome. It is caused by a gene mutation on chromosome 17 which encodes neurofibromin and affects around 1 in 4,000

NF2 is caused by gene mutation on chromosome 22 and affects around 1 in 100,000

Features

NF1NF2
Café-au-lait spots (>= 6, 15 mm in diameter)
Axillary/groin freckles
Peripheral neurofibromas
Iris hamatomas (Lisch nodules) in > 90%
Scoliosis
Pheochromocytomas
Bilateral acoustic neuromas
Multiple intracranial schwannomas, mengiomas and ependymomas



Comparison of neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis. Note that whilst they are both autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorders there is little overlap otherwise