Neurofibromatosis type 2

Lancet. 2009 Jun 6;373(9679):1974-86. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60259-2. Epub 2009 May 22.

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 2 is an autosomal-dominant multiple neoplasia syndrome that results from mutations in the NF2 tumour suppressor gene located on chromosome 22q. It has a frequency of one in 25,000 livebirths and nearly 100% penetrance by 60 years of age. Half of patients inherit a germline mutation from an affected parent and the remainder acquire a de novo mutation for neurofibromatosis type 2. Patients develop nervous system tumours (schwannomas, meningiomas, ependymomas, astrocytomas, and neurofibromas), peripheral neuropathy, ophthalmological lesions (cataracts, epiretinal membranes, and retinal hamartomas), and cutaneous lesions (skin tumours). Optimum treatment is multidisciplinary because of the complexities associated with management of the multiple, progressive, and protean lesions associated with the disorder. We review the molecular pathogenesis, genetics, clinical findings, and management strategies for neurofibromatosis type 2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cataract / etiology
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22 / genetics
  • Disease Progression
  • Gene Frequency / genetics
  • Genes, Neurofibromatosis 2
  • Genetic Testing
  • Humans
  • Molecular Biology
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Nervous System Neoplasms / etiology
  • Neurofibromatosis 2* / diagnosis
  • Neurofibromatosis 2* / epidemiology
  • Neurofibromatosis 2* / genetics
  • Neurofibromatosis 2* / therapy
  • Neurofibromin 2 / genetics
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration
  • Pedigree
  • Penetrance
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology
  • Survival Rate

Substances

  • Neurofibromin 2