Focal areas of signal intensity (FASI) - neurofibromatosis type 1

Case contributed by Bouhouche Abdeldjalil
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Café au lait spots

Patient Data

Age: 15 years
Gender: Male

subtle areas of T2/FLAIR increased signal intensity in the left globus pallidus, pons as well as the cerebellum bilaterally with no diffusion restriction and no contrast enhancement consistent with focal areas of signal intensity (FASI)

Case Discussion

Imaging findings and clinical presentation are most consistent with focal areas of signal intensity (FASI) in the setting of NF1.

Focal areas of signal intensity (FASI), also known as focal abnormal signal intensity or unidentified bright objects (UBO) are the most common central nervous system abnormalities in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). They most commonly occur in the basal ganglia (often globus pallidus), brainstem, thalamus, cerebellum, and hippocampus. They are not associated with focal neurological deficits and tend to resolve by early adulthood.

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