Neurofibromatosis type I (von Recklinghausen’s disease): A Report of Three Cases / Neurofibromatoza tip I (von Recklinghausenova bolest): prikaz tri slučaja

Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is an autosomal dominant, multisystemic disease that usually affects the skin, nervous system and bones. Diagnosis is made by matching at least two of the following 7 diagnostic criteria: six or more caféau- lait macules over 15 mm in diameter, two or more neurofibromas, axillary and/or inguinal freckles, optic glioma, two or more Lisch’s nodules (iris hamartoma), changes in the bones in the form of sphenoid dysplasia, thinning of the cortex of long bones and existence of neurofibromatosis in the first degree relatives. We report three patients, two men and a woman aged 18 to 33 years, in whom the first changes occurred at puberty, and there was no positive family history in any of them. All three patients had café-au-lait spots over 15 mm in diameter and numerous localized neurofibromas on the skin of the trunk and extremities that were histologically verified. In two patients, ophthalmic examinations recorded Lisch’s nodules in the iris. In one of the patients, MRI of the head, revealed presence of oval lesions with diameters of 10-15 mm, which may correspond to neurofibromas, and in the other patient fibrous dysplasia of the femur and tibia were observed. Psychological testing in one patient revealed IQ at the lower limits of average (IQ 68). After the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type I, the patients were given advice about the disease and a plan for the monitoring and control of possible symptoms, and also the possibility of genetic testing during pregnancy. A multidisciplinary approach is required for diagnosing and monitoring of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.