Lisch nodules of the iris in neurofibromatosis type 1

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2004 May;18(3):342-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2004.00915.x.

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant disease. The Lisch nodule represents one of the most common NF1 ocular manifestations. Several studies have reported that the Lisch nodule is a melanocytic hamartoma but its pathogenesis is still debated. We have studied the histopathological and ultrastructural features of a Lisch nodule of a 50-year-old woman biopsied during an intracapsular cataract extraction. Our researches revealed that it was composed of three main cytotypes: pigmented cells, fibroblast-like cells and mast cells, showing a pattern similar to a neurofibroma. Furthermore, we hypothesize that Lisch nodules are compatible with neurofibromas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Iris / pathology*
  • Iris Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Iris Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Mast Cells / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 / diagnosis*
  • Prognosis
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Severity of Illness Index