Central neurofibromatosis.

Two patients with central form of neurofibromatosis are reported. Bilateral acoustic neuromas were diagnosed by computerized tomography (CT) scan in one and at autopsy in the other patient. The clinical and radiologic features in the first patient indicated associated bilateral optic nerve gliomas. The autopsied case in addition had multiple meningiomas and numerous nontumorous glial hamartomas. The clinical, pathologic and biochemical basis for classification of neurofibromatosis into central and peripheral forms are discussed.