Germline mutation of CHEK2 in neurofibromatosis 1 and 2: Two case reports

RATIONALE: Neurofibromatosis, including type 1 and type 2, is inherited dominant disease that causes serious consequences. The genetic mechanism of these diseases has been described, but germline mutation of checkpoint 2 kinase gene, together with other DNA repair related genes, has not been fully elucidated in the context of neurofibromatosis. PATIENT CONCERNS: In this article, we reported identical germline mutation of CHEK2 gene (p.R180C) in a 7-year-old Tibetan boy with NF1, and in a 12-year-old Chinese girl with NF2. DIAGNOSES: Neurofibromatosis 1 and 2 with CHECK2 gene germline mutation. INTERVENTIONS: Both patients underwent operation to obtain tumor tissue, and peripheral blood of their family was tested. OUTCOMES: Identical germline mutation of CHEK2 gene (p.R180C) was detected in both patients, and germline mutations of POLE, MUTYH and ATR were also detected. LESSONS: This is the first article to describe CHEK2 mutation in both NF1 and NF2. This article highlights a possible role of CHEK2, in association with other germline genetic mutations, in tumorigenesis of NF1 and NF2.