Updated diagnostic criteria and nomenclature for neurofibromatosis type 2 and schwannomatosis: An international consensus recommendation.

Purpose: Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and schwannomatosis (SWN) are genetically distinct tumor predisposition syndromes with overlapping phenotypes. We sought to update the diagnostic criteria for NF2 and SWN by incorporating recent advances in genetics, ophthalmology, neuropathology, and neuroimaging.

Methods: We used a multistep process, beginning with a Delphi method involving global disease experts and subsequently involving non-neurofibromatosis clinical experts, patients, and foundations/patient advocacy groups.

Spinal ependymomas in neurofibromatosis Type 2: a retrospective analysis of 55 patients.

Object: The aim of this paper was to define the clinical characteristics of spinal ependymomas associated with neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2).

Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with NF2 who had imaging findings consistent with ependymomas and were seen at Massachusetts General Hospital between 1994 and 2007. Clinical characteristics of these patients were obtained from hospital records, imaging studies, surgical reports, and pathology reports.

Superficial neurofibromas in the setting of schwannomatosis: nosologic implications.

First described in the past decade, schwannomatosis is a syndrome distinct from neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2). It is characterized by the development of multiple schwannomas, sparing the vestibular division of cranial nerve VIII, and may also predispose to develop meningiomas. We report two female patients, a 27 and a 44 years old who developed multiple peripheral schwannomas, but without involvement of the vestibular nerves, satisfying clinical criteria for schwannomatosis.

Patient and physician attitudes regarding clinical trials in neurofibromatosis 1.

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a multisystem genetic disorder that primarily affects the skin (freckling and café-au-lait macules), nervous system (neurofibromas, optic gliomas, and learning disabilities), and skeletal system (pseudoarthroses). The interest in pharmacological intervention for patients with NF1 has grown in recent years. However, little is known about the attitudes and priorities of patients, families, and physicians regarding participation in clinical trials.