Neurofibromatosis in childhood: a review of 25 cases.

The initial symptoms and signs of neurofibromatosis in 25 children are reported, and the literature is briefly reviewed. Two little known associations of neurofibromatosis are revealed. Four children showed hydrocephalus related to stricture of the aqueduct of Sylvius. Four other children presented with failure to thrive in infancy which was regarded in retrospect as a non-specific association of neurofibromatosis. It is emphasized that such manifestations may be the presenting features of neurofibromatosis in children.