Neurofibromatosis revisited : a pictorial review

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis (or von Recklinghausen disease) is a hereditary condition due to mesodermal and neuroectodermal dysplasia, eponymously named after the researcher who reported it in 1882. The disorder is transmitted as an autosomal dominant condition, but 50% of cases arise as spontaneous mutations. The incidence falls within the range 1:2 000 - 1:4 000, and has no gender bias. We present a series of images produced by different modalities that show lesions and pathologies that are characteristic of the disease.