[Multiple brain tumors with von Recklinghausen's disease]

Thirty-three cases of von Recklinghausen's disease, nine of which had multiple brain tumors, were experienced in our clinic. In this report, these nine cases were reported and discussed, especially representative two cases in detail. Nine cases had various combinations of multiple brain tumors: bilateral acoustic neurinomas in two cases, multiple neurinomas in two cases, multiple meningiomas in one case and multiple neurinomas and meningiomas in two cases. In two cases, multiple brain tumors were totally extirpated at one stage, but both died within ten months. In three cases, partial extirpation of multiple brain tumors were performed at one stage, one died thirteen years after the operation and two are alive but dependent on their families. In recent two cases, two stage operations were performed, by which tumors were successfully removed totally. These postoperative courses were good. The other two cases were treated conservatively. One is alive and working, but has severe auditory disturbance. The other died after six years from onset. Autopsy was performed in this case, which revealed multiple neurinomas in the left 3rd and bilateral 5-12th cranial nerves and numerous meningiomas. In the review of the cases with more than three brain tumors in von Recklinghausen's disease were discussed.