Neurofibromatosis type 1 (cutaneous manifestations)

Last revised by Angela Liao on 26 Jun 2023

Cutaneous manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), or von Recklinghausen disease, are the heralding features of this multisystem neurocutaneous disorder, which is the most common phakomatosis.

Nowadays genetic testing permits the laboratory diagnosis of NF1 in as many as 95%, although in the majority of patients, the diagnosis remains based on clinical manifestations 2.

For a general discussion of the underlying condition, please refer to the article on neurofibromatosis type 1.

Clinical presentation

As is the case with many phakomatoses, NF1 results in a variety of abnormalities of variable severity. To make the clinical diagnosis two or more of the following are required 1-2:

Radiographic features

  • cutaneous and subcutaneous neurofibromas: benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors

    • presented as small soft tissue skin nodules on radiological images

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