Main description:

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aspects is ample, but current clinical approaches, classification, diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols are outdated, creating difficulties in early diagnosis and treatment.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 cafe-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.

Contents:

1. Epidemiology of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Lidia Pezzani, Donatella Milani 2. Genetics and Pathway in Neurofibromatosis Type 1Ellen Denayer, Eric Legius, Hilde Brems 3. Molecular Diagnosis for NF1Ludwine M. Messiaen 4. Diagnosis in NF1, Old and NewGianluca Tadini 5. Clinical Features of NF1 in the SkinMichela Brena, Francesca Besagni, Angela Hernandez-Martin, Gianluca Tadini 6. Ocular Manifestations in Neurofibromatosis Type 1Maura Di Nicola, Francesco Viola7. Skeletal Manifestations in NF1David H. Viskochil, David A. Stevenson8. NF1 in Other OrgansEmma Burkitt Wright, Michael Burkitt and Hilde Brems 9. Genomics of Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors Associated to Neurofibromatosis Type 1Eduard Serra, Bernat Gel, Juana Fernandez-Rodriguez, Conxi Lazaro 10. Mechanotransduction and Nf1 Loss--Partner in Crime: New Hints for Neurofibroma GenesisFederica Chiara 11. Diagnosis and Management of Benign Nerve Sheath Tumors in NF1: Evolution from Plexiform to Atypical Neurofibroma and Novel Treatment ApproachesAndrea Gross, Eva Dombi, Brigitte C. Widemann12. Diagnosis and Management of Malignant Tumors in NF1: Evolution from Atypical Neurofibromas to Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors and Treatment OptionsRosalie E. Ferner 13. Neurological Complications in NFUna-Marie Sheerin, Rosalie E. Ferner14. Learning Disabilities and Behavior in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 PatientsShruti Garg, Jonathan Green15. Mosaic NF1Gianluca Tadini, Teresa Schgor, Michela Brena16. Legius Syndrome, Other Cafe -au-lait Diseases and Differential Diagnosis of NF1Ellen Denayer, Eric Legius, Hilde Brems17. Cancer Risk and Spectrum in Individuals with RASopathies Mwe Mwe Chao, Martin Zenker, Christian Peter Kratz18. Therapeutical Approaches for NF1Bruce R. Korf 19. Medical Follow up in Neurofibromatosis Type 1Christina Bergqvist, Pierre Wolkenstein20. Brief Notes on Pregnancy, Prenatal Diagnosis and Preimplantation Procedures in NF1Gianluca Tadini, Donatella Milani21. Proposal of New Diagnostic CriteriaGianluca Tadini, Hilde Brems, Eric Legius