Imaging considerations of central nervous system manifestations in pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1

CT and MRI were used in a prospective study of the central nervous system (CNS) manifestations in 41 consecutive children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). Gadolinium-DTPA was used in 15 patients. MRI was more effective than CT in delimiting the extension of the optic pathway glioma and in evaluating associated cerebral malformations. MRI has displaced CT in the initial diagnosis of patients with NF-1. Periodic annual MRI controls are only justified in patients with MRI changes to evaluate the progression or stabilization of the lesions. (orig./GDG)