It is Not a Curse! It is Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1): A Case Report from Rural Kenya

Authors

  • Vonwicks C. Onyango Department of Medicine, St. Joseph Rift Valley Hospital, Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6791-8809
  • Nicholas M. Mutuma Department of Outpatient, St. Joseph Rift Valley Hospital, Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya
  • Samuel M. Gachie Department of Outpatient, St. Joseph Rift Valley Hospital, Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya
  • Boniface Mutiso Department of Outpatient, St. Joseph Rift Valley Hospital, Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya
  • Nicholas Auma Department of Endoscopy, St. Joseph Rift Valley Hospital, Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya
  • William C. Fryda MD Department of Medicine, St. Joseph Rift Valley Hospital, Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmsi.v3i1.2709

Keywords:

Neurofibromatosis 1, NF1, Von Recklinghausen Disease, Café-Au-Lait Macules, Neurofibromas, Skin Freckles, Kenya

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the NF1 gene, with near complete penetrance and variable clinical presentation. Patients classically have café-au-lait macules, neurofibromas, skin freckles, and Lisch nodules, among other multisystemic features. Long-term management in a multidisciplinary team focuses on surveillance and treating complications. NF1 is a rare disease in Kenya, often leading to myths and misconceptions about its nature, especially among rural communities. We present a classical case from rural Kenya whose diagnosis was delayed by a belief that it was the result of a curse. We aim to highlight the importance of making this diagnosis and its linkage to a long-term care plan within a primary health care setting.

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Author Biography

Vonwicks C. Onyango, Department of Medicine, St. Joseph Rift Valley Hospital, Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya

 

 

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Published

2024-05-15

How to Cite

Onyango, V. C., Mutuma, N. M., Gachie, S. M., Mutiso, B., Auma, N., & Fryda MD, W. C. (2024). It is Not a Curse! It is Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1): A Case Report from Rural Kenya. American Journal of Medical Science and Innovation, 3(1), 107–111. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmsi.v3i1.2709