Abstract Details

Neurofibromatosis type I is an autosomal dominant disorder that involves multiple organ systems. Patients with NF1 are at an increased risk for developing both benign and malignant brain tumors. Some features of NF1 can be present at birth; however, most manifestations appear with age, requiring serial monitoring to address ongoing needs and to minimize the risk of complications.

To assess whether our current surveillance of NF1 patients with unidentified bright objects and/or gliomas on imaging are appropriate.

We reviewed a series of 759 patients (age range 8 months to 63 years) with Neurofibromatosis type I followed at our institution from 2012-2021. All brain MRIs were screened for unidentified bright objects (UBOs), also termed myelin vacuolization, and gliomas. Findings on imaging were correlated with clinical notes to determine diagnoses and management.

We found 304 (40%) patients with unidentified bright objects (UBOs) on MRI, 86 (11%) patients with glioma. The most common location of gliomas is in the basal ganglia and brainstem. The mean number of MRI is 4.6 (range 1-22).

Our preliminary data suggest that there is a fair number of patients who develop UBOs and gliomas with a wide range of MRIs obtained between patients. The most common region of glioma is in the basal ganglia and brainstem. Data collection is ongoing to determine whether gliomas are more likely to develop in regions previously noted to have UBOs.