Multimodal Imaging in Neurofibromatosis Type 1- associated Nerve Sheath Tumors Multimodale Bildgebung bei Neurofibromatose-Typ-1-asso- ziierten Nervenscheidentumoren

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neuro- genetic disorder. Individuals with NF1 may develop a variety of benign and malignant tumors of which peripheral nerve sheath tumors represent the most frequent entity. Plexiform neurofibromas may demonstrate a locally destructive growth pattern, may cause severe symptoms and may undergo malignant transformation into malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents the reference standard for detection of soft tissue tumors in NF1. It allows for identification of individuals with plexiform neurofibromas, for assessment of local tumor extent, and for evaluation of whole-body tumor burden on T2-weighted imaging. Multiparametric MRI may provide a comprehensive characterization of differ- ent tissue properties of peripheral nerve sheath tumors, and may identify parameters associated with malignant transformation. Due to the absence of any radiation expo- sure, whole-body MRI may be used for seri- al follow-up of individuals with plexiform