Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), caused by mutational inactivation of the NF1 tumour suppressor gene, is one of the most common dominantly inherited human disorders, affecting 1 in 3000 individuals worldwide. This book presents in concise fashion, but as comprehensively as possible, our current state of knowledge on the molecular genetics, molecular biology and cellular biology of this tumour predisposition syndrome. Written by internationally recognized experts in the field, the 44 chapters that constitute this edited volume provide the reader with a broad overview of the clinical features of the disease, the structure and expression of the NF1 gene, its germ line and somatic mutational spectra and genotype-phenotype relationships, the structure and function of its protein product (neurofibromin), NF1 modifying loci, the molecular pathology of NF1-associated tumours, animal models of the disease, psycho-social aspects and future prospects for therapeutic treatment.

Here is the state-of-the-art on recognizing, managing and living with neurofibromatosis (NF) for patients, families, and health care professionals. From new genetic and diagnostic advances, to associated cardiovascular and endocrine abnormalities, to the significant psychosocial impact of NF, the book is packed with clear, practical guidance for understanding and living with this disability.Special features: A complete diagnostic guide to help you recognize NF-related symptoms--with a timeline for when they might appear New treatment options for NF, including pain control Coverage of the newly discovered form of NF, schwannomatosis Personal perspectives from NF patients and their families Glossary that defines medical terminology With the great diagnostic and treatment advances achieved in the last decade, and research proceeding rapidly, the future for patients with NF has never been brighter. For all individuals living with the challenges of this disability, the book brings you to the forefront of medical knowledge. Make sure it is within close reach for fast and easy reference.

This Atlas of Inherited Retinal Disorders provides a thorough overview of various inherited retinal dystrophies with emphasis on phenotype characteristics and how they relate to the most frequently encountered genes. It also meets the previously unmet needs of PhD students who will benefit from seeing the phenotypes of genes they work on and study. Further, because genetic-testing costs are quite high and spiraling higher, this Atlas will help geneticists familiarize themselves with the candidate gene approach to test patients’ genomes, enabling more cost-efficient testing. This invaluable atlas is organized into eight sections starting with an introduction to the basic knowledge on retinal imaging, followed by diseases listed according to inheritance pattern and disorders with extraocular manifestations grouped by defining features. This structure will be intuitive to clinicians and students studying inherited retinal disorders.

This book, now in a second revised edition, casts light on the often complex diagnosis of musculoskeletal tumors and tumor-like conditions by drawing on the experience of the Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute during more than 100 years of treatment and research in the field. The different entities are described from a multidisciplinary perspective, highlighting clinical, radiological, and histological correlations. Particular emphasis is placed on differential diagnosis, which often needs to take into account nontumoral conditions. The recent identification of further significant biological and genetic features, and the impact of these discoveries on the classification of round cell tumors, vascular lesions, and spindle/pleomorphic entities in bone, is also extensively discussed. The Rizzoli case archive dates back to September 1900 and contains the original material relating to more than 29,000 bone lesions and 11,000 soft tissue lesions. It is a fabulously rich resource, and this book will be invaluable for pathologists, radiologists, and clinicians at all levels of experience.

New edition, completely rewritten, with new chapters on endovascular surgery and mitochrondrial and ion channel disorders.

This text was created to fill a void in the practice of pediatric neuropathology. It is a practical and well-illustrated book representing a collection of interesting, common and unusual tumors for a diagnostic exercise by the reader. The wide reception of the first edition by the pathology community is testament to its relevance and utility in the pathologic diagnosis of pediatric brain tumors. This edition covers topics ranging from neuroimaging, the use of crush and touch preps during intraoperative consultation, classic histological features of pediatric brain tumors, tumor variants, and a miscellaneous group of challenging tumors. Chapters consist of essential diagnostic information and features highlighting recognized variants and their differential diagnoses. A section on molecular pathology and electron microscopy is also included for each tumor category, along with a list of classic reviews and innovative articles on each of the tumor entities as suggested reading at the end of each chapter. Atlas of Pediatric Brain Tumors, Second Edition represents the state of the art in pediatric neuropathology with easy utility beside the microscope.

This volume offers an update of the clinical signs, diagnostic criteria (including molecular diagnosis) and targeted therapies for a particular type of genodermatosis, providing a handy and unique tool for early diagnosis. In recent years, our understanding of genodermatosis and neurocutaneous syndromes has increased, but although Type 1 Neurofibromatosis (NF1) is the most common neuroectodermal disorder and involves a large number of patients and medical disciplines, this syndrome remains underestimated, often misdiagnosed thus leading to inaccurate treatment. The literature on the molecular and pathogenetic aspects is ample, but current clinical approaches, classification, diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols are outdated, creating difficulties in early diagnosis and treatment. As such, a chapter is devoted renewing current diagnostic criteria; it includes clinical and molecular data, to offer a sound, updated discussion basis for a consensus conference. NF1 is a “time-dependent” disorder, meaning that the onset of clinical signs are closely linked to patient age and the book discusses this particularly neglected aspect extensively, as well as the latest molecular diagnosis techniques, which are highly sensitive have not been included in the diagnostic criteria. It also explains the role of the RAS-MAPK pathway and genotype-phenotype correlations. In addition it explores new concepts concerning the pathogenesis of neurofibromas and other hamarthomas and their relevance for a modern therapeutical approach with targeted molecular drugs, as well as newly discovered aspects of NF1 in all internal organs, together with their diagnostic counterparts. A chapter on mosaic neurofibromatosis is also included. There is a particular focus on differential diagnosis (i.e. other diseases with café-au-lait macules), and the recently described Legius syndrome will be presented directly by Prof Eric Legius. All chapters are easy-to-understand, up-to-date, comprehensive and concise tools and are intended for a wide range of professionals involved with genetic disorders of the skin and neurocutaneous diseases: dermatologists, pediatricians, neurologists, oncologists and general practitioners.

A chronicle of the life experiences of adults with neurofibromatosis 1, a neurological genetic condition for many years misdiagnosed as "The Elephant Man's Disease." Affected persons deal with an unpredictable and potentially stigmatizing disorder, the symptoms of which range from physical disfigurement to severe learning disorders. Ablon offers suggestions for families, support systems, and health care providers to enhance coping skills and self image of the affected persons.

A thoughtful and clinically valuable account which will aid both treatment of and research into this difficult disorder.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominantly inherited, tumour predisposition syndrome affecting 1/3,000-4,000 individuals worldwide. This inherited disorder results from the mutational inactivation of the NF1 gene on human chromosome 17. The NF1 gene contains 61 exons that give rise to 12kb mRNA encoding neurofibromin. The 327kDa (2,818 amino acid) neurofibromin protein is expressed in most tissues and has a number of alternative isoforms. Neurofibromin is a tumour suppressor protein and down-regulates cellular Ras. Increased active Ras-GTP levels also stimulate the important PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway that protects cells from apoptosis. The major clinical featues of NF1 include multiple café-au-lait macules, skinfold freckles, iris Lisch nodules, and neurofibromas. The diagnostic criteria for clinical diagnosis have been well established. However, there are a small number of cases in which the diagnosis is not certain. The germline mutation rate for the NF1 gene is 10-fold higher than that observed for most other inherited diseases. Using a combination of different techniques, almost 95% of germline mutations can be detected. To date, only two firm genotype phenotype correlations have been reported. NF1 phenotype exhibits large variations within a family, evidence for modifying loci regulating the expression of an NF1 gene is beginning to emerge. We also are gaining knowledge on the molecular mechanisms associated with the development of different types of tumours. It is encouraging that the results of recent laboratory and clinical research are finally being translated into clinical trials. With the availability of high-throughput technologies, sophisticated animal models, and multi-centre clinical trials, the future for NF1 sufferers is looking optimistic. This book aims to provide an overview of the genetic and clinical aspects of NF1 and its role in both NF1-associated and sporadic tumour development. It emphasizes the recent developments in this field and some of the promising on-going clinical trials.