Autism spectrum disorder profiles in RASopathies: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: RASopathies are associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) there is ample evidence for this increased risk, while for other RASopathies this association has been studied less. No specific ASD profile has been delineated so far for RASopathies or a specific RASopathy individually. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to investigate whether a specific RASopathy is associated with a specific ASD profile, or if RASopathies altogether have a distinct ASD profile compared to idiopathic ASD (iASD). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Open Grey for data about ASD features in RASopathies and potential modifiers. RESULTS: We included 41 articles on ASD features in NF1, Noonan syndrome (NS), Costello syndrome (CS), and cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFC). Individuals with NF1, NS, CS, and CFC on average have higher ASD symptomatology than healthy controls and unaffected siblings, though less than people with iASD. There is insufficient evidence for a distinct ASD phenotype in RASopathies compared to iASD or when RASopathies are compared with each other. We identified several potentially modifying factors of ASD symptoms in RASopathies. CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic review found no convincing evidence for a specific ASD profile in RASopathies compared to iASD, or in a specific RASopathy compared to other RASopathies. However, we identified important limitations in the research literature which may also account for this result. These limitations are discussed and recommendations for future research are formulated.

Histologic correlates of "Choroidal abnormalities" in Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by proliferation of cells from neural crest origin. The most common manifestations are cutaneous, neurologic, skeletal and ocular. The distinction of NF1 from other syndromes with multiple café-au-lait macules may be difficult in the pediatric age group, and ocular findings, especially Lisch nodules (i.e., melanocytic hamartomas on the irides), are a useful, early diagnostic tool. In recent years, novel ocular manifestations descriptively referred to as "choroidal abnormalities", choroidal "hyperpigmented spots" and "retinal vascular abnormalities" have been recognized in NF1. Choroidal abnormalities (CA) appear as bright patchy nodules that can be best detected with near-infrared ocular coherence tomography imaging (NIR-OCT). Because of their high specificity and sensitivity for NF1, CA have been added as an ocular diagnostic criterion of NF1 as an alternative to Lisch nodules. Although CA are important ocular diagnostic criteria for NF1, the histologic correlates are controversial. We present the postmortem ocular pathology findings of an NF1 patient for whom clinical notes and ocular imaging were available. Findings in this patient included choroidal hyperpigmented spots on funduscopy and retinal vascular abnormalities, both of which have been reported to be closely associated with CA. Histologic examination of the eyes showed multiple clusters of melanocytes of varying sizes in the choroid. Pathologic review of 12 additional postmortem eyes from 6 NF1 patients showed multiple, bilateral choroidal melanocytic aggregates in all eyes. These findings suggest that the CA seen on NIR-OCT and the hyperpigmented spots seen clinically in NF1 patients are manifestations of multifocal choroidal melanocytic clusters, consistent with choroidal melanocytic hamartomas. Lisch nodules, often multiple, were present in all eyes with morphology that differed from the choroidal hamartomas. As such, although CA and Lisch nodules are melanocytic hamartomas, there are clear phenotypical differences in their morphologies.

NF1-Driven Rhabdomyosarcoma Phenotypes: A Comparative Clinical and Molecular Study of NF1-Mutant Rhabdomyosarcoma and NF1-Associated Malignant Triton Tumor.

PURPOSE: Alterations of the NF1 tumor suppressor gene is the second most frequent genetic event in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), but its associations with clinicopathologic features, outcome, or coexisting molecular events are not well defined. Additionally, NF1 alterations, mostly in the setting of neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), drive the pathogenesis of most malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with divergent RMS differentiation (also known as malignant triton tumor [MTT]). Distinguishing between these entities can be challenging because of their pathologic overlap. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the clinicopathologic and molecular spectrum of NF1-mutant RMS compared with NF1-associated MTT for a better understanding of their pathogenesis. METHODS: We investigated the clinicopathologic and molecular landscape of a cohort of 22 NF1-mutant RMS and a control group of 13 NF1-associated MTT. Cases were tested on a matched tumor-normal hybridization capture-based targeted DNA next-generation sequencing. RESULTS: Among the RMS group, all except one were ERMS, with a median age of 17 years while for MTT the mean age was 39 years. Three MTTs were misdiagnosed as ERMS, having clinical impact in one. The most frequent coexisting alteration in ERMS was TP53 abnormality (36%), being mutually exclusive from NRAS mutations (14%). MTT showed coexisting CDKN2A/B and PRC2 complex alterations in 38% cases and loss of H3K27me3 expression. Patients with NF1-mutant RMS exhibited a 70% 5-year survival rate, in contrast to MTT with a 33% 5-year survival. All metastatic NF1-mutant ERMS were associated with TP53 alterations. CONCLUSION: Patients with NF1-mutant ERMS lacking TP53 alterations may benefit from dose-reduction chemotherapy. On the basis of the diagnostic challenges and significant treatment and prognostic differences, molecular profiling of challenging tumors with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation is recommended.

Raman difference spectroscopy and U-Net convolutional neural network for molecular analysis of cutaneous neurofibroma.

In Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), peripheral nerve sheaths tumors are common, with cutaneous neurofibromas resulting in significant aesthetic, painful and functional problems requiring surgical removal. To date, determination of adequate surgical resection margins-complete tumor removal while attempting to preserve viable tissue-remains largely subjective. Thus, residual tumor extension beyond surgical margins or recurrence of the disease may frequently be observed. Here, we introduce Shifted-Excitation Raman Spectroscopy in combination with deep neural networks for the future perspective of objective, real-time diagnosis, and guided surgical ablation. The obtained results are validated through established histological methods. In this study, we evaluated the discrimination between cutaneous neurofibroma (n = 9) and adjacent physiological tissues (n = 25) in 34 surgical pathological specimens ex vivo at a total of 82 distinct measurement loci. Based on a convolutional neural network (U-Net), the mean raw Raman spectra (n = 8,200) were processed and refined, and afterwards the spectral peaks were assigned to their respective molecular origin. Principal component and linear discriminant analysis was used to discriminate cutaneous neurofibromas from physiological tissues with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 97.3%, and overall classification accuracy of 97.6%. The results enable the presented optical, non-invasive technique in combination with artificial intelligence as a promising candidate to ameliorate both, diagnosis and treatment of patients affected by cutaneous neurofibroma and NF1.

A Systematic Review on Visual-Processing Deficits in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: What Possible Impact on Learning to Read?

This systematic review aimed to examine the possible implication of visual-perceptual, visuo-attentional and oculomotor processing in the reading deficits frequently experienced by children with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), as previously shown in dyslexia. Using PRISMA methodological guidelines, we examined 49 studies; most of these reported visual-processing deficits in this population, raising the importance of directly studying the visuo-perceptual and visuo-attentional processes and eye-movement control involved in the learning-to-read process in NF1. The discussion provides a reflection for a better understanding of how visual-processing skills interact with reading deficits in NF1, as well as new avenues for their screening and care.

High-Grade Astrocytoma with Piloid Features: A Dual Institutional Review of Imaging Findings of a Novel Entity.

High-grade astrocytoma with piloid features (HGAP) is a recently identified brain tumor characterized by a distinct DNA methylation profile. Predominantly located in the posterior fossa of adults, HGAP is notably prevalent in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1. We present an image-centric review of HGAP and explore the association between HGAP and neurofibromatosis type 1. Data were collected from 8 HGAP patients treated at two tertiary care institutions between January 2020 and October 2023. Demographic details, clinical records, management, and tumor molecular profiles were analyzed. Tumor characteristics, including location and imaging features on MR imaging, were reviewed. Clinical or imaging features suggestive of neurofibromatosis 1 or the presence of NF1 gene alteration were documented. The mean age at presentation was 45.5 years (male/female = 5:3). Tumors were midline, localized in the posterior fossa (n = 4), diencephalic/thalamic (n = 2), and spinal cord (n = 2). HGAP lesions were T1 hypointense, T2-hyperintense, mostly without diffusion restriction, predominantly peripheral irregular enhancement with central necrosis (n = 3) followed by mixed heterogeneous enhancement (n = 2). Two NF1 mutation carriers showed signs of neurofibromatosis type 1 before HGAP diagnosis, with one diagnosed during HGAP evaluation, strengthening the HGAP-NF1 link, particularly in patients with posterior fossa masses. All tumors were IDH1 wild-type, often with ATRX, CDKN2A/B, and NF1 gene alteration. Six patients underwent surgical resection followed by adjuvant chemoradiation. Six patients were alive, and two died during the last follow-up. Histone H3 mutations were not detected in our cohort, such as the common H3K27M typically seen in diffuse midline gliomas, linked to aggressive clinical behavior and poor prognosis. HGAP lesions may involve the brain or spine and tend to be midline or paramedian in location. Underlying neurofibromatosis type 1 diagnosis or imaging findings are important diagnostic cues.

Pilot study of the effectiveness of a telehealth group for improving peer relationships for adolescents with neurofibromatosis type 1.

BACKGROUND: Interventions for social difficulties have not been investigated in the neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) population despite observations of elevated rates of social difficulties. In this pilot study, the effectiveness of a 14-week telehealth PEERS® intervention with nineteen adolescents with NF1 (Mage=13.79 years, SD = 1.32) with social skills difficulties was examined. Measures of social outcomes were completed at three timepoints (before, immediately after, and at 14-week follow-up). RESULTS: Caregiver-reported social-emotional skills, social impairment, caregiver-reported number of adolescent get-togethers, and teen social knowledge showed significant improvement following the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The PEERS® intervention is promising to support the social and friendship skills of adolescents with NF1 who have social difficulties.

The PlexiQoL, a patient-reported outcome measure on quality of life in neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibroma: translation, cultural adaptation and validation into the Dutch language for the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Half of the patients with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) develop one or more tumours called plexiform neurofibromas, which can have a significant impact on Quality of Life (QoL). The PlexiQoL questionnaire is a disease-specific QoL measure for adults with NF1-associated plexiform neurofibromas. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate a Dutch version of the PlexiQoL for the Netherlands. METHODS: The PlexiQoL was translated using the dual-panel methodology, followed by cognitive debriefing interviews to assess face and content validity. The psychometric properties were evaluated by administering the questionnaire on two separate occasions to a sample of adults with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas. Feasibility was evaluated by the presence of floor/ceiling effects. Reliability was assessed by evaluating Cronbach's alpha coefficient and test-retest reliability, using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to check for known group validity. The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) questionnaire was used as comparator questionnaire to evaluate convergent validity. RESULTS: The translation and cognitive debriefing interviews resulted in a Dutch version of the PlexiQoL that reflected the original concept and underlying semantic meanings of the UK English version. Forty participants completed the validation survey. The Dutch PlexiQoL demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.825) and test-retest reliability (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.928). The questionnaire detected differences in PlexiQoL scores between participants based on self-reported general health and disease severity. Convergent validity was confirmed for relevant NHP subsections. CONCLUSIONS: The Dutch PlexiQoL demonstrated excellent psychometric properties and can be reliably used to measure plexiform neurofibroma-related QoL in adults with NF1 in the Netherlands.

Robotic resection for splenic artery aneurysm associated with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal-dominant disease characterized by café-au-lait spots and neurofibromas, as well as various other symptoms in the bones, eyes, and nervous system. Due to its connection with vascular fragility, neurofibromatosis type 1 has been reported to be associated with vascular lesions, such as aneurysms. However, there have been few reports of abdominal visceral aneurysms associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. Furthermore, there have been no reports of robotic treatment of aneurysms associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. In this report, we describe the case of a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 with a splenic artery aneurysm who was successfully treated with robotic surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: This report describes a 41-year-old Asian woman with a history of neurofibromatosis type 1 who was referred to our hospital for evaluation of a 28 mm splenic artery aneurysm observed on abdominal ultrasound. The aneurysm was in the splenic hilum, and transcatheter arterial embolization was attempted; however, this was difficult due to the tortuosity of the splenic artery. Thus, we suggested minimally invasive robotic surgery for treatment and resection of the splenic artery aneurysm with preservation of the spleen. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the eighth day after surgery. At 1 year of follow-up, the patient was doing well, with no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: We encountered a rare case of splenic artery aneurysm in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 who was successfully treated with robotic surgery. There is no consensus on treatment modalities for neurofibromatosis-related aneurysms, and endovascular treatment is considered safe and effective; however, surgery remains an important treatment modality. Especially in patients with stable hemodynamic status, robotic surgery may be considered as definitive treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first successfully treated case of a splenic artery aneurysm in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1.

[Analysis of NF1 gene variants in a Chinese pedigree and a sporadic patient with Neurofibromatosis type 1].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree and a sporadic case with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). METHODS: Clinical data of the pedigree and the sporadic case were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral venous blood samples and subjected to whole exome sequencing. Candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS: All patients from the pedigree were found to harbor a c.3251delC variant in exon 25 of the NF1 gene, whilst a c.4312_4314delGAA variant was found in exon 32 of the NF1 gene in the sporadic case. CONCLUSION: Variants of the NF1 gene may account for the occurrence of NF1 in this pedigree and sporadic case.

Multimodal Imaging of Choroidal Nodules in Neurofibromatosis Type I.

AIM: To clarify the possibilities and role of posterior segment imaging in patients with neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), and to show the prevalence of this disease in the pediatric population in Slovakia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Until recently, ophthalmologic consultations in patients with NF1 were limited mainly to the observation of Lisch nodules of the iris and the presence of optic nerve glioma. However, advances in imaging capabilities have made it possible to investigate and describe new f indings concerning the ocular manifestations of this disease. Between October 2020 and November 2021, we examined the anterior and posterior segment of 76 eyes (38 children ­ 12 boys and 26 girls) with genetically confirmed NF1 gene mutation at our clinic. The age of the patients ranged from 4 to 18 years. The anterior segment was checked for the presence of Lisch nodules biomicroscopically with a slit lamp. On the posterior segment, the presence of choroidal nodules was checked by various imaging methods ­ fundus camera, infrared confocal selective laser ophthalmoscopy, MultiColor imaging, OCT, and OCT angiography. All the patients had magnetic resonance imaging performed in order to detect potential optic nerve gliomas for the purpose of diagnosis. We observed the correlation between the patients' age, presence of Lisch nodules and the presence of choroidal nodules. Eight patients also had other manifestations of the disease ­ optic nerve gliomas or microvascular changes (so-called "corkscrew" vessels). RESULTS: Out of 38 patients, Lisch iris nodules were present in 20 patients (53%) and choroidal nodules in 24 patients (63%). There was no positive correlation between the presence of these two manifestations within the same patient or eye, but there is a clear correlation between the presence of choroidal nodules and patient age. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a previously unknown ocular manifestation of neurofibromatosis type I, namely choroidal nodules, has a higher prevalence than Lisch nodules also in the pediatric population and can be easily visualized using various imaging modalities. It will be important to include follow-up observation of this finding among the standard controls for ocular findings in NF1, and it will be very interesting to correlate this f inding with the exact NF1 mutation

Acquired myelinated retinal nerve fiber layer in a child with neurofibromatosis 1-related optic pathway glioma.

Myelinated retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) is a rare structural anomaly that occurs from abnormal myelination extending anterior to the lamina cribrosa. Clinically, myelinated RNFL is characterized as a gray-white lesion with feathered, well-demarcated borders obscuring the retinal vasculature. Myelinated RNFL is typically congenital, benign, and asymptomatic. It is most commonly noted as an incidental finding on ophthalmic examination. However, cases of acquired myelinated RNFL have been reported. We report the case of a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 and optic pathway glioma with unilateral acquired myelinated RNFL.

Multidisciplinary team for patients with neurocutaneous syndromes: The little discussed importance of dentistry.

Neurocutaneous syndromes comprise a heterogeneous group of congenital or hereditary conditions that are known to be associated with the risk of different disorders and complications. Two of the most common neurocutaneous syndromes are Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Although there appears to be a general consensus on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing these cases, there is still very little emphasis in discussions addressed in the literature on the role of dentistry in accordance with the perspective of comprehensive care. Evidence-based propositions, together with a broad discussion of new insights in this regard, should have the ability to strongly impact related future perspectives, aiming for greater advances and better outcomes for these patients. In this review article, the authors discuss updated general aspects of NF1 and TSC, and the potential additional roles of dentistry, in addition to addressing suggestions for actions in dentistry at related levels of care, as well as priorities for future research.

A Giant Scrotal Neurofibroma in a Child Masquerading as Filariasis: Uncommon Presentation of a Common Disease.

Neurofibroma of the scrotum is a very uncommon benign neoplasm, specifically when it affects teenagers and is not associated with neurofibromatosis type I. To the best of our knowledge, only a couple of cases of neurofibroma in children have been documented. Here, we report a case study of a 17-year-old boy who had a giant scrotal lump for ten years masquerading clinically as filariasis. A provisional diagnosis of benign nerve sheath neoplasm was made based on cytology findings. The lump was surgically removed from the patient, and a histopathological and immunohistochemistry examination established the diagnosis of neurofibroma. The combined clinical, preoperative cytological, histological, and immunohistochemistry findings were not presented in the literature in any of the formerly documented cases of scrotal neurofibroma. The current case expands the spectrum of differential diagnoses for scrotal tumours that clinicians have previously observed.

Brain injury drives optic glioma formation through neuron-glia signaling.

Tissue injury and tumorigenesis share many cellular and molecular features, including immune cell (T cells, monocytes) infiltration and inflammatory factor (cytokines, chemokines) elaboration. Their common pathobiology raises the intriguing possibility that brain injury could create a tissue microenvironment permissive for tumor formation. Leveraging several murine models of the Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) cancer predisposition syndrome and two experimental methods of brain injury, we demonstrate that both optic nerve crush and diffuse traumatic brain injury induce optic glioma (OPG) formation in mice harboring Nf1-deficient preneoplastic progenitors. We further elucidate the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms, whereby glutamate released from damaged neurons stimulates IL-1ß release by oligodendrocytes to induce microglia expression of Ccl5, a growth factor critical for Nf1-OPG formation. Interruption of this cellular circuit using glutamate receptor, IL-1ß or Ccl5 inhibitors abrogates injury-induced glioma progression, thus establishing a causative relationship between injury and tumorigenesis.

Impact of neurofibromatosis type 1 on quality of life using the Skindex-29 questionnaire quality of life in NF1.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common RASopathies predisposing affected patients to melanic lesions and benign tumors. NF1 is associated with considerable esthetic and functional burden negatively affecting the patient's quality of life (QoL). This study aims to assess the clinical features of NF1 patients and evaluate their impact on QoL. We identified NF1 patients from a public health database of a region in Spain. All patients underwent clinical and ophthalmological evaluation for NF1 features. We measured QoL using the Spanish version of the Skindex-29. RESULTS: Forty patients fulfilled the NF1 National Institute of Health criteria when we recruited patients. The median age was 42.00 years (IQR 26.5 -53.75). The median total Skindex-29 score was 12.3 (IQR 5.9-22.4); (emotion: 15.0, IQR 5.0-37.5; symptoms 8.9, IQR 0.0-17.9 and functioning 8.3; IQR 0.5-18.3). Women and NF1 patients with lower educational levels were associated with poorer QoL scores. We identified itching and sleep troubles to influence NF1 patients' QoL negatively. CONCLUSION: NF1 considerably influences the psychological well-being of NF1 patients. We observed that female and low-educated patients scored higher on the emotional dimension of the Skindex-29 and could, therefore, be more at risk of depression. We also pointed out some "minor symptoms" that negatively impact NF1 patients' QoL such, as itching and sleep troubles which doctors could treat if sought by doctors.

Neurofibromin 1 controls metabolic balance and Notch-dependent quiescence of murine juvenile myogenic progenitors.

Patients affected by neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) frequently show muscle weakness with unknown etiology. Here we show that, in mice, Neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) is not required in muscle fibers, but specifically in early postnatal myogenic progenitors (MPs), where Nf1 loss led to cell cycle exit and differentiation blockade, depleting the MP pool resulting in reduced myonuclear accretion as well as reduced muscle stem cell numbers. This was caused by precocious induction of stem cell quiescence coupled to metabolic reprogramming of MPs impinging on glycolytic shutdown, which was conserved in muscle fibers. We show that a Mek/Erk/NOS pathway hypersensitizes Nf1-deficient MPs to Notch signaling, consequently, early postnatal Notch pathway inhibition ameliorated premature quiescence, metabolic reprogramming and muscle growth. This reveals an unexpected role of Ras/Mek/Erk signaling supporting postnatal MP quiescence in concert with Notch signaling, which is controlled by Nf1 safeguarding coordinated muscle growth and muscle stem cell pool establishment. Furthermore, our data suggest transmission of metabolic reprogramming across cellular differentiation, affecting fiber metabolism and function in NF1.