A 16-year-old Caucasian male presents with decreased hearing and several subcutaneous nodules. His past medical history is insignificant. His family history is significant for a father with bilateral deafness that was treated with surgery. Physical examination reveals two hypopigmented spots on his back. MRI scans of the head with gadolinium enhancement show bilateral cerebellopontine angle masses. Which of the following cell types is responsible for these findings?

Question

A 16-year-old Caucasian male presents with decreased hearing and several subcutaneous nodules.  His past medical history is insignificant.  His family history is significant for a father with bilateral deafness that was treated with surgery.  Physical examination reveals two hypopigmented spots on his back.  MRI scans of the head with gadolinium enhancement show bilateral cerebellopontine angle masses.  Which of the following cell types is responsible for these findings?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Explanation: Acoustic neuromas observed in patients with neurofibromatosis, as well as sporadic, unilateral acoustic neuromas, result from the proliferation of Schwann cells (schwannomas). Schwann cells are responsible for the myelinization of peripheral nervous system axons, including axons of most cranial nerves. (Choice B)Oligodendrocytes are responsible for the myelinization of CNS axons, including axons of optic nerves. (Choice A)Astrocytes are supportive cells of the CNS. They give rise to the majority of glial tumors. (Choice D)Microglia are composed of phagocytic cells . (Choice E)In spite of the name 'neuroma,' acoustic neuromas do not arise from neural cells . Educational Objective: Acoustic neuromas result from the proliferation of Schwann cells (schwannomas).

A 16-Year-Old Caucasian Male Presents with Decreased Hearing and Several