The radiological features of craniofacial neurofibromatosis

Three cases of neurofibromatosis are reported showing a wide spectrum of roentgen abnormalities affecting the skull and facial bones. One case had macrocrania and multiple calvarial defects; enlargement of the sella turcica and middle cranial fossa was also present. All the three cases had orbital changes either in the form of enlargement, reduced anteroposterior width or loss of bony outlines with an appearance of emptiness. The other two cases showed predominantly facial involvement with hypoplasia of the mandibular body and ramus, abnormal coronoid process, zygomatic arch, hypoplastic maxilla, cystic mandible with abnormal dentition and absence of the osseous external auditory meatus. Intra-orbital calcification was present in one case. The radiological projections required to evaluate such cases are discussed. The 20 degrees occipito-mental view has been found extremely useful and is recommended.