Challenges in determining the malignant potential of atypical neurofibromas (aNF) using histopathologic features and the potential need for CDKN2A/2B testing: a case report

Abstract

Atypical neurofibromas (aNF) are peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) histologically defined by cytologic atypia, hypercellularity, loss of neurofibroma architecture, and/or increased mitotic activity. aNF often have a heterozygous loss of CDKN2A/B in addition to homozygous NF1 loss. On MRI, aNF frequently appear as distinct nodular lesions, grow faster than plexiform neurofibromas, and have increased avidity on fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. At least some aNF are considered to be at greater risk for transformation to highly aggressive malignant PNSTs. We have observed that some PNSTs demonstrate a discrepancy between histological, clinical, and genomic criteria, where a PNST without histologically concerning findings may have clinical and imaging features concerning aNF and CDKN2A/B loss. This case series highlights this discrepancy and suggests the inclusion of CDKN2A/B loss to define aNF, along with clinical and imaging findings, to determine the potential for malignant transformation, and to select appropriate clinical management.

Keywords

Atypical neurofibroma / peripheral nerve sheath tumor / malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor / neurofibromatosis type 1

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