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Updated: Sep 5, 2025

Author Spotlight: Genetically Engineered Mouse Models and Pathological Characterization of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Associated Tumors
Published on: May 17, 2024
Plexiform Neurofibroma With Activating KRAS Mutation and Segmental Presentation Involving the Unilateral Eyelid
Jeannette Y Stallworth1, Loreley D Smith1,2, M Reza Vagefi1
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, San Francisco, U.S.A.
Abstract:
Plexiform neurofibromas are classically thought to be pathognomonic for neurofibromatosis type 1. However, isolated forms may occur, particularly as a manifestation of segmental neurofibromatosis related to postzygotic mosaicism in the NF1 gene. Most cases occur on the head and neck, trunk, and extremities with very few cases reported in the periorbital area. The authors report a case of plexiform neurofibroma with perineuriomatous features of the right upper eyelid in a patient with no other stigmata of neurofibromatosis. While suggestive of segmental neurofibromatosis, genetic analysis revealed activating KRAS mutation and inactivating mutation in PHF6 with no evidence of NF1 mutation in germline or tumor tissue. Neither KRAS nor PHF6 have been previously reported in association with neurofibroma.
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