Diffuse, multicentric neurogenic tumors in two macerated fetuses: a possible intrauterine form of neurofibromatosis.

Two tiny macerated fetuses with a remarkably similar pattern of multicentric neurogenic neoplasms of both paravertebral autonomic structures and peripheral nerves are described. Maceration precluded further histologic classification of the neoplasms in either fetus. The first fetus had a Meckel's diverticulum, short attachment of the small bowel mesentery, pulmonary hypoplasia, and intrauterine growth retardation. The second had the sympus bipus variant of sirenomelia sequence. The multicentric neoplasms in these two fetuses are very similar to those previously described in a few neonates and one stillborn with well-documented or suspected neurofibromatosis. It is reasonable to hypothesize that these two fetuses may represent an early intrauterine expression of neurofibromatosis characterized by multicentric neurogenic neoplasms of autonomic structures and peripheral nerves. Detailed examination of early abortuses, especially those from families with neurofibromatosis, may help to confirm or disprove the hypothesis.