Correlations between choroidal abnormalities, Lisch nodules, and age in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1

To evaluate correlations between choroidal abnormalities, Lisch nodules, and age in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), we examined ten cases with NF1 using near-infrared reflectance imaging. Patients ranged in age from 4 to 39 years. The angle used for near-infrared reflectance imaging was 55 degrees. We counted the total number of choroidal abnormalities in an area within a 55 degrees angle centered on the fovea and the total number of Lisch nodules on the iris by slit-lamp examination. No positive correlation was found between the number of Lisch nodules and patient age (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho=0.117, P=0.7414). Choroidal abnormalities tended to increase with age (rho=0.6150), but this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.0650). A positive correlation was found between the number of choroidal abnormalities and Lisch nodules (rho=0.783, P=0.0267). In conclusion, choroidal abnormalities tend to increase with patient age and are correlated with the number of Lisch nodules.