Which screening test is recommended annually to monitor brain involvement in neurofibromatosis type 2?

Which screening test is recommended annually to monitor brain involvement in neurofibromatosis type 2?

• A. MRI of the brain
• B. CT of the chest
• C. EEG
• D. Ultrasound of the abdomen

Answer: (D)

In neurofibromatosis type 2, brain involvement is common, with tumors such as vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas. The best way to screen for these intracranial lesions is MRI of the brain with gadolinium contrast. MRI provides superior soft-tissue detail and can detect small tumors early, guiding management and monitoring over time. This is done on a regular, typically annual basis to watch for new or growing lesions. CT of the chest isn’t useful for brain tumors and involves radiation exposure with less sensitivity for small intracranial lesions. EEG measures electrical activity and isn’t a tumor-detection tool. Ultrasound of the abdomen cannot assess the brain.

In neurofibromatosis type 2, brain involvement is common, with tumors such as vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas. The best way to screen for these intracranial lesions is MRI of the brain with gadolinium contrast. MRI provides superior soft-tissue detail and can detect small tumors early, guiding management and monitoring over time. This is done on a regular, typically annual basis to watch for new or growing lesions.

CT of the chest isn’t useful for brain tumors and involves radiation exposure with less sensitivity for small intracranial lesions. EEG measures electrical activity and isn’t a tumor-detection tool. Ultrasound of the abdomen cannot assess the brain.