Orbital neurofibromatosis.

The origin of neurofibromatosis (the neuroectoderm, the mesectoderm, or both primordia?) is not known. The protean manifestations of the disease cannot be explained, and classification of the various forms of orbital neurofibromatosis on the basis of specific neural involvement has never been attempted. Further studies of the pathogenesis are therefore urgently needed. Differentiation between types of orbital tumors may benefit from advanced computer scanning and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The results of surgical treatment, although much improved in recent years, are still unsatisfactory. Concentration of patients with neurofibromatosis in specialized centers is therefore indicated.