Screening saves sight: An unusual case of type-1 neurofibromatosis

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis (NF), described by von Recklinghausen in 1882, consists of at least two distinct disorders: NF1 (von Recklinghausen's or peripheral neurofibromatosis) and NF2, formerly known as 'central neurofibromatosis." The prevalence of NF is approximately 1 in 4,000, and of NF2, 1 in 50,000. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a multisystemic neurocutaneous disorder with an autosomal dominant hereditary pattern. Ocular manifestations include plexiform neurofibroma of eyelid, Lisch nodules in iris, optic nerve glioma, glaucoma, sphenoid wing dysplasia. Retinal and choroidal involvement are encountered less frequently. Unusual ocular findings include multiple choroidal nevi, combined hamartoma, choroidal Schwannoma, choroidal melanoma and vaso proliferative retinal tumors. Here we report a case of an 18 year old girl diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 who on routine ocular examination was found to have high myopia in both eyes and on fundus examination had a macula ‘on’ inferior retinal detachment with retinal hole in right eye. Inferior retinal detachment is rarely reported in neurofibromatosis type 1. This case emphasizes the importance of conducting ocular examination even in asymptomatic patients with neurofibromatosis, so that early detection and treatment can prevent vision loss secondary to retinal detachment.