{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Multidisciplinary neurofibromatosis conference in the management of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 and schwannomatosis in a single tertiary care institution.
{Author}: Debs P;Belzberg A;Blakeley J;Fayad L;Langmead S;Little E;Romo C;Schatz K;Slobogean B;Ahlawat S;
{Journal}: Skeletal Radiol
{Volume}: 53
{Issue}: 5
{Year}: 2024 May 11
{Factor}: 2.128
{DOI}: 10.1007/s00256-023-04511-4
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To evaluate the role of weekly neurofibromatosis (NF) multi-disciplinary conferences (MDC) on the diagnostic and therapeutic plan for patients with NF type 1 (NF1) and schwannomatosis (SWN).<BR><B>METHODS: </B>This retrospective study reviewed patients with confirmed or suspected NF1 and SWN discussed in weekly MDC from March to July 2021. Demographic data collected included patient age, sex, pre-conference and post-conference diagnosis, radiological studies reviewed, and provider specialties in attendance. Outcomes reported included changes in imaging interpretation and treatment plans, changes in post-conference diagnosis relative to pre-conference diagnosis, and time to completion of the recommended change in treatment.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Data from 17 MDC "pre-conference" lists included 75 patients (38 female, 37 males, mean age (years): 38 (range: 6-80)) with NF1 (52%, 39/75) and SWN (36%, 27/75) discussed over a total of 91 case reviews. 18.7% (14/75) of all patients had NF2-related SWN, and 17.3% (13/75) of all patients had non-NF2 SWN. The MDC led to changes in imaging interpretation in 18.7% and changes in patient management in 74.7% (diagnostic testing (n = 52), surgical plan (n = 24), medical treatment (n = 9), clinical trial status (n = 4), and radiation treatment (n = 1)) of cases. Among patients for whom a change in management was recorded, 91% (62/68) completed at least one recommendation (mean time to completion (days): 41.4 (range: 0-278)).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Weekly MDC changes the diagnostic and therapeutic management of the majority of patients discussed (74.7%) and promotes a high adherence rate to recommendations (91%).