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LeFever D, Hanks T, Kumar R, Louie P, Leveque JC. Correction of cervical kyphoscoliosis, bisected spinal cord, and vertebral artery to epidural vein fistula in neurofibromatosis type 1. JOURNAL OF CRANIOVERTEBRAL JUNCTION AND SPINE 2024; 15:123-126. [PMID: 38644911 PMCID: PMC11029105 DOI: 10.4103/jcvjs.jcvjs_138_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) presents complex challenges due to its multisystemic effects, including kyphoscoliosis, dural ectasia, and arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). We present a case of a 31-year-old male with NF1 exhibiting severe cervical kyphoscoliosis, dural ectasia, a bisected cervical cord, and an arteriovenous fistula, highlighting the intricacies of managing such intricate cases. Rapid weakening in the patient's right arm and leg prompted imaging revealing severe cervical kyphotic deformity and a dural fold dividing the spinal cord. Surgical intervention addressed a high-flow arteriovenous fistula involving the right vertebral artery and an epidural vein, necessitating sacrifice of the artery. Posterior fusion and laminectomy were performed, resulting in stable neurological status postoperatively and significant improvement in sensory loss and weakness at three months. This case underscores the importance of a tailored posterior-only approach, involving dural fold release, to allow the spinal cord to relocate to a less tense position, thus demonstrating effective decompression in complex NF1 cases with concurrent kyphotic deformity and vertebral artery AVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon LeFever
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroscience and Spine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas Hanks
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroscience and Spine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Philip Louie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroscience and Spine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jean-Christophe Leveque
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroscience and Spine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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Robinson D, Biswas S, Torrie C, MacArthur J, Snowdon E, Sial M, Sarkar V, George KJ. Determining the risk of spinal pathology progression in neurofibromatosis type 1 patients - a national tertiary neurofibromatosis type 1 centre study. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2023; 234:107985. [PMID: 37778105 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2023.107985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gives rise to a variety of spinal pathologies that include dural ectasia (DE), vertebral malalignments (VMA), spinal deformities (SD), syrinx, meningoceles, spinal nerve root tumours (SNRT), and spinal plexiform tumours (SPT). The relationship between these and the progression of these pathologies has not been explored before in detail and this paper aims to address this. METHODS Data was retrospectively collected from adult NF1 multi-disciplinary team meetings from 2016 to 2022 involving a total of 593 patients with 20 distinct predictor variables. Data were analyzed utilizing; Chi-Square tests, binary logistic regression, and Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS SNRT (19.9%), SD (18.6%), and (17.7%) of VMA had the highest rates of progression. SD was significantly associated (p < 0.02) with the presence and progression of all spinal pathologies except for SPT. Statistically significant predictors of SD progression included the presence of DVA, VMA, syrinx, meningocele, and SNRT. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between the times to progression for SD (85 days), SNRT (1196 days), and VMA (2243 days). CONCLUSION This paper explores for the first time in detail, the progression of various spinal pathologies in NF1. The presence and progression of SD is a key factor that correlated with the progression of different spinal pathologies. Early identification of SD may help support clinical decision-making and guide radiological follow-up protocols and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Robinson
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, England, UK
| | - Sayan Biswas
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, England, UK.
| | - Christopher Torrie
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, England, UK
| | - Joshua MacArthur
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, England, UK
| | - Ella Snowdon
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, England, UK
| | - Moska Sial
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, England, UK
| | - Ved Sarkar
- College of Letters and Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - K Joshi George
- Department of Neurosurgery, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester, England, UK
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Sergeenko OM, Evsyukov AV, Filatov EY, Ryabykh SO, Burtsev AV, Gubin AV. Cervicothoracic dislocation due to congenital and bone-dysplasia-related vertebral malformations. Spine Deform 2023; 11:1223-1238. [PMID: 37086364 DOI: 10.1007/s43390-023-00690-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the approaches to treatment of congenital and bone-dysplasia-related pediatric cervicothoracic dislocations and define the optimal treatment method. METHODS The publications available in PubMed and Google Scholar data bases were selected following such criteria as the disease in question, pediatric age, the treatment description, and follow-up results. The paper also includes the descriptions of our own six cases of the cervicothoracic dislocations detected in children with different vertebral malformations. RESULTS Only eight patients meeting the abovementioned selection criteria were found in the publications: three of them had the Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS), two had one-level vertebral anomaly, one had neurofibromatosis (NF type 1), one had the Larsen syndrome, and one had a variation of VACTERL association. Their treatment was long term, multi stage, and complicated. Among six our own cases, four patients also had KFS, one had a variation of VACTERL association, and one had NF type 1. All the patients suffered from preoperative neurological disorders. Posterior instrumental fixation with posterior vertebral body resection was performed in four cases and one patient underwent a combined surgery. The parents of one of the patients refused the operation, so he was observed while receiving bracing treatment. Since the treatment was long term and complicated by reoperations, the average follow-up period comprised 5 years. CONCLUSION Congenital cervicothoracic dislocations are an extremely rare pathology that manifests itself in early age and requires an early surgical treatment. Failure to provide the treatment leads to the patient's disability. The surgical tactics for such patients is determined individually, but the published data and our own experience demonstrate that early multi-stage combined treatment has been the best option available so far. The cervicothoracic dislocations due to NF 1 manifest later and have a more favorable forecast.
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A Nationwide Study Characterizing the Risk and Outcome Profiles of Multilevel Fusion Procedures in Neuromuscular Scoliosis Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. World Neurosurg 2023; 171:e620-e630. [PMID: 36586581 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.12.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spine abnormalities are a common manifestation of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1); however, the outcomes of surgical treatment for NF1-associated spinal deformity are not well explored. The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcome and risk profiles of multilevel fusion surgery for NF1 patients. METHODS The National Inpatient Sample was queried for NF1 and non-NF1 patient populations with neuromuscular scoliosis who underwent multilevel fusion surgery involving eight or more vertebral levels between 2004 and 2017. Multivariate regression modeling was used to explore the relationship between perioperative variables and pertinent outcomes. RESULTS Of the 55,485 patients with scoliosis, 533 patients (0.96%) had NF1. Patients with NF1 were more likely to have comorbid solid tumors (P < 0.0001), clinical depression (P < 0.0001), peripheral vascular disease (P < 0.0001), and hypertension (P < 0.001). Following surgery, NF1 patients had a higher incidence of hydrocephalus (0.6% vs. 1.9% P = 0.002), seizures (4.9% vs. 5.7% P = 0.006), and accidental vessel laceration (0.3% vs.1.9% P = 0.011). Although there were no differences in overall complication rates or in-hospital mortality, multivariate regression revealed NF1 patients had an increased probability of pulmonary (OR 0.5, 95%CI 0.3-0.8, P = 0.004) complications. There were no significant differences in utilization, including nonhome discharge or extended hospitalization; however, patients with NF1 had higher total hospital charges (mean -$18739, SE 3384, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that NF1 is associated with certain complications following multilevel fusion surgery but does not appear to be associated with differences in quality or cost outcomes. These results provide some guidance to surgeons and other healthcare professionals in their perioperative decision making by raising awareness about risk factors for NF1 patients undergoing multilevel fusion surgery. We intend for this study to set the national baseline for complications after multilevel fusion in the NF1 population.
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Orthopaedic Manifestations of Neurofibromatosis Type I. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2022; 30:e1495-e1503. [PMID: 36400059 DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-22-00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a congenital disease which is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene on chromosome 17, resulting in an altered function of the neurofibromin protein. Owing to the ubiquitous expression of this protein, this syndrome is associated with pathology in many organ systems of the body, especially the central and peripheral nervous, musculoskeletal, and integumentary systems. This review outlines the common sequelae related to a diagnosis of NF1 and the common treatment approach to each.
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Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Identification of Novel and Recurrent NF1 Gene Variants and Correlations with Neurocognitive Phenotype. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071130. [PMID: 35885913 PMCID: PMC9316015 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common genetic tumor predisposition syndrome, caused by mutations in the NF1. To date, few genotype-phenotype correlations have been discerned in NF1, due to a highly variable clinical presentation. We aimed to study the molecular spectrum of NF1 and genotype-phenotype correlations in a monocentric study cohort of 85 NF1 patients (20 relatives, 65 sporadic cases). Clinical data were collected at the time of the mutation analysis and reviewed for accuracy in this investigation. An internal phenotypic categorization was applied. The 94% of the patients enrolled showed a severe phenotype with at least one systemic complication and a wide range of associated malignancies. Spine deformities were the most common complications in this cohort. We also reported 66 different NF1 mutations, of which 7 are novel mutations. Correlation analysis identified a slight significant inverse correlation between age at diagnosis and delayed acquisition of psychomotor skills with residual multi-domain cognitive impairment. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval showed a higher prevalence of learning disabilities in patients carrying frameshift mutations. Overall, our results aim to offer an interesting contribution to studies on the genotype–phenotype of NF1 and in genetic management and counselling.
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Ghemigian A, Carsote M, Sandru F, Petca RC, Oproiu AM, Petca A, Valea A. Neuroendocrine neoplasia and bone (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1219. [PMID: 34584564 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This is a narrative review focusing on neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) and bone status, in terms of metastases and osteoporosis/fractures. One fifth of NEN have skeletal dissemination, this affinity being regulated by intrinsic tumor factors such as the C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Bone colonization impairs the patient quality of life, representing a surrogate of reduced survival. Patients with NEN without bone metastases may exhibit low bone mineral density, perhaps carcinoid-related osteoporosis, yet not a standardized cause of osteoporosis. Case-finding strategies to address bone health in NEN with a good prognosis are lacking. Contributors to fractures in NEN subjects may include: menopausal status and advanced age, different drugs, induced hypogonadism, malnutrition, malabsorption (due to intestinal resection, carcinoid syndrome), hypovitaminosis D, impaired glucose profile (due to excessive hormones such as glucagon, somatostatinoma or use of somatostatin analogues), various corticoid regimes, and high risk of fall due to sarcopenia. Pheocromocytoma/paraganglioma involve bone through malignant forms (bone is an elective site) and potential secondary osteoporosis due to excessive hormonal content and increased sympathetic activity which is a key player of bone microarchitecture/quality as reflected by low Trabecular Bone Score. Glucocorticoid osteoporosis is related to NEN-associated ectopic Cushing syndrome. Currently, there are a lack of studies to emphasis that excessive gut-derivate serotonin in NENs with carcinoid syndrome is a specific activator of bone loss thus a contributor to carcinoid-related osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Ghemigian
- Department of Endocrinology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Endocrinology, 'C. I. Parhon' National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Carsote
- Department of Endocrinology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Endocrinology, 'C. I. Parhon' National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florica Sandru
- Department of Dermatology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Dermatology, 'Elias' Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Razvan-Cosmin Petca
- Department of Urology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Urology, 'Prof. Dr. Theodor Burghele' Clinical Hospital, 061344 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Oproiu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Petca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Valea
- Department of Endocrinology, 'I. Hatieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Endocrinology, Clinical County Hospital, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Well L, Careddu A, Stark M, Farschtschi S, Bannas P, Adam G, Mautner VF, Salamon J. Phenotyping spinal abnormalities in patients with Neurofibromatosis type 1 using whole-body MRI. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16889. [PMID: 34413392 PMCID: PMC8376946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96310-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) has been reported to be associated with a variety of spinal abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to quantify the prevalence of spinal abnormalities in a collective of NF1 patients that is representative for the general NF1 population, to associate the co-appearance of spinal abnormalities with both NF1 and clinical symptoms and to investigate if different mutations of the NF1 gene affect the prevalence of these abnormalities. Retrospectively, 275 patients with NF1 and an age- and sex-matched collective of 262 patients were analyzed. The prevalence of spinal abnormalities was recorded. Mutational analysis of the NF1 gene was obtained in 235 NF1 patients. Associations between spinal abnormalities, clinical symptoms and genotype were investigated by binary logistic regression analysis. Prevalence of all spinal abnormalities was higher in NF1 patients than in the control group. Six characteristics of spinal abnormalities were significantly associated with NF1 (all p < 0.05). An influence of scalloping on scoliosis (OR 3.01; p = 0.002); of meningoceles (OR 7.63) and neuroforaminal tumors (OR 2.96) on scalloping, and of dural ectasia on neuroforaminal tumors (OR 1.93) was identified. Backpain and loss of motor function were associated with neuroforaminal tumors, spinal tumors and scalloping of vertebral bodies (all p < 0.05). Specific mutations of the NF1 gene were not relevantly associated with the development of spinal abnormalities. These findings can aid clinicians to improve clinical care of NF1 patients by creating awareness for co-appearences of specific spinal abnormalities and associated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Well
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Anna Careddu
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Stark
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Said Farschtschi
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Bannas
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Adam
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Victor-Felix Mautner
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Salamon
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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Heyde CE, Völker A, von der Höh NH, Glasmacher S, Koller H. [Spinal deformity in neurofibromatosis type 1]. DER ORTHOPADE 2021; 50:650-656. [PMID: 34236453 DOI: 10.1007/s00132-021-04130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With a prevalence of up to 60%, spinal deformity represents the most common skeletal manifestation of neurofibromatosis type 1. The deformity can occur as a non-dystrophic or as a less common dystrophic type. This distinction is of great relevance because the therapeutic strategy is completely different in each case. NON-DYSTROPHIC TYPE The non-dystrophic type can be treated like idiopathic scoliosis due to the comparable behavior of both entities. However, care must be taken regarding the so-called modulation. Modulation describes the formation of dysplasias of the spine. This will result in a progression behavior as known from the dystrophic type. DYSTROPHIC TYPE For the dystrophic type, different spinal dysplastic changes are typical. These lead to a rapid progression of deformity and a lack of response to conservative treatment. If untreated, severe and grotesque deformities can arise. This type of deformity requires early surgical intervention, even in childhood. The knowledge about the peculiarities of this disease in general, as well as the typical changes of the spine are prerequisites to managing these often-challenging situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph-E Heyde
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie u. Plastische Chirurgie, Bereich Wirbelsäulenchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Liebigstraße 20, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland.
| | - A Völker
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie u. Plastische Chirurgie, Bereich Wirbelsäulenchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Liebigstraße 20, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - N H von der Höh
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie u. Plastische Chirurgie, Bereich Wirbelsäulenchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Liebigstraße 20, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - S Glasmacher
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie u. Plastische Chirurgie, Bereich Wirbelsäulenchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Liebigstraße 20, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - H Koller
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurochirurgie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Deutschland
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Russo C, Russo C, Cascone D, Mazio F, Santoro C, Covelli EM, Cinalli G. Non-Oncological Neuroradiological Manifestations in NF1 and Their Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081831. [PMID: 33921292 PMCID: PMC8070534 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Central nervous system involvement (CNS) is a common finding in Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Beside tumor-related manifestations, NF1 is also characterized by a wide spectrum of CNS alterations with variable impacts on functioning and life quality. Here, we propose an overview of non-oncological neuroradiological findings in NF1, with an insight on pathophysiological and embryological clues for a better understanding of the development of these specific alterations. Abstract Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the most frequent phakomatosis and one of the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndromes, is characterized by several manifestations that pervasively involve central and peripheral nervous system structures. The disorder is due to mutations in the NF1 gene, which encodes for the ubiquitous tumor suppressor protein neurofibromin; neurofibromin is highly expressed in neural crest derived tissues, where it plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and structural organization. This review article aims to provide an overview on NF1 non-neoplastic manifestations of neuroradiological interest, involving both the central nervous system and spine. We also briefly review the most recent MRI functional findings in NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Russo
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (DIETI), University of Naples “Federico II”, 80125 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-333-7050711
| | - Carmela Russo
- Pediatric Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Pediatric Neurosciences, Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, 80129 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.C.); (F.M.); (E.M.C.)
| | - Daniele Cascone
- Pediatric Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Pediatric Neurosciences, Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, 80129 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.C.); (F.M.); (E.M.C.)
| | - Federica Mazio
- Pediatric Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Pediatric Neurosciences, Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, 80129 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.C.); (F.M.); (E.M.C.)
| | - Claudia Santoro
- Neurofibromatosis Referral Center, Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental and Physical Health, and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Eugenio Maria Covelli
- Pediatric Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Pediatric Neurosciences, Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, 80129 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.C.); (F.M.); (E.M.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Cinalli
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Pediatric Neurosciences, Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, 80129 Naples, Italy;
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Mladenov KV, Spiro AS, Krajewski KL, Stücker R, Kunkel P. Management of spinal deformities and tibial pseudarthrosis in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). Childs Nerv Syst 2020; 36:2409-2425. [PMID: 32613421 PMCID: PMC8346390 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04775-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The skeletal system is affected in up to 60% of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. The most commonly observed entities are spinal deformities and tibial dysplasia. Early recognition of radiologic osseous dystrophy signs is of utmost importance because worsening of the deformities without treatment is commonly observed and surgical intervention is often necessary. Due to the relative rarity and the heterogenic presentation of the disease, evidence regarding the best surgical strategy is still lacking. PURPOSE To report our experience with the treatment of skeletal manifestations in pediatric patients with (neurofibromatosis type 1) NF-1 and to present the results with our treatment protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective, single expert center study on children with spinal deformities and tibial dysplasia associated with NF-1 treated between 2006 and 2020 in a tertiary referral institution. RESULTS Spinal deformity: Thirty-three patients (n = 33) were included. Mean age at index surgery was 9.8 years. In 30 patients (91%), the deformity was localized in the thoracic and/or lumbar spine, and in 3 patients (9%), there was isolated involvement of the cervical spine. Eleven patients (33%) received definitive spinal fusion as an index procedure and 22 (67%) were treated by means of "growth-preserving" spinal surgery. Halo-gravity traction before index surgery was applied in 11 patients (33%). Progression of deformity was stopped in all patients and a mean curve correction of 60% (range 23-98%) was achieved. Mechanical problems with instrumentation requiring revision surgery were observed in 55% of the patients treated by growth-preserving techniques and in none of the patients treated by definitive fusion. One patient (3%) developed a late incomplete paraplegia due to a progressive kyphotic deformity. Tibial dysplasia: The study group comprised of 14 patients. In 5 of them (36%) pathological fractures were present on initial presentation. In the remaining 9 patients (64%), anterior tibial bowing without fracture was observed initially. Four of them (n = 4, 28%) subsequently developed a pathologic fracture despite brace treatment. Surgical treatment was indicated in 89% of the children with pathological fractures. This involved resection of the pseudarthrosis, autologous bone grafting, and intramedullary nailing combined with external fixation in some of the cases. In 50% of the patients, bone morphogenic protein was used "off-label" in order to promote union. Healing of the pseudarthrosis was achieved in all of the cases and occurred between 5 to 13 months after the index surgical intervention. Four of the patients treated surgically needed more than one surgical intervention in order to achieve union; one patient had a re-fracture. All patients had a good functional result at last follow-up. CONCLUSION Early surgical intervention is recommended for the treatment dystrophic spinal deformity in children with NF-1. Good and sustainable curve correction without relevant thoracic growth inhibition can be achieved with growth-preserving techniques alone or in combination with short spinal fusion at the apex of the curve. Preoperative halo-gravity traction is a safe and very effective tool for the correction of severe and rigid deformity in order to avoid neurologic injury. Fracture union in tibial dysplasia with satisfactory functional results can be obtained in over 80% of the children by means of surgical resection of the pseudarthrosis, intramedullary nailing, and bone grafting. Wearing a brace until skeletal maturity is achieved is mandatory in order to minimize the risk of re-fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiril V. Mladenov
- Altona Children’s Hospital – AKK/UKE, Bleickenallee 38, 22763 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Ralf Stücker
- Altona Children’s Hospital – AKK/UKE, Bleickenallee 38, 22763 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philip Kunkel
- Altona Children’s Hospital – AKK/UKE, Bleickenallee 38, 22763 Hamburg, Germany
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