Menu
Vols.

Tuberous Sclerosis

Open Table of Contents: Tuberous Sclerosis

Figure 1: Multiple FLAIR-hyperintense (top left) subependymal nodules with corresponding dark susceptibility artifact (top right) that reflects calcification. (Middle Left) These nodules are also clearly visible in a T2-weighted image against the bright cerebrospinal fluid. (Middle Right) A few of the nodules demonstrate moderate enhancement. Note also the much larger heterogeneous lesion along the right lateral ventricle at the level of the caudothalamic groove compatible with a SEGA . In addition, there are numerous regions of cortical expansion with T2/FLAIR-hyperintense signal (middle left and bottom left) and associated, increased linear signal radiating from the periventricular white matter to the subcortical regions (bottom right), known as the radial band sign.

Figure 1: Multiple FLAIR-hyperintense (top left) subependymal nodules with corresponding dark susceptibility artifact (top right) that reflects calcification. (Middle Left) These nodules are also clearly visible in a T2-weighted image against the bright cerebrospinal fluid. (Middle Right) A few of the nodules demonstrate moderate enhancement. Note also the much larger heterogeneous lesion along the right lateral ventricle at the level of the caudothalamic groove compatible with a SEGA. In addition, there are numerous regions of cortical expansion with T2/FLAIR-hyperintense signal (middle left and bottom left) and associated, increased linear signal radiating from the periventricular white matter to the subcortical regions (bottom right), known as the radial band sign.

Description

  • Multisystem, neurocutaneous disorder characterized by development of multiple benign tumors of ectodermal origin
ADVERTISEMENT

ATLAS Choice Bipolar Forceps

Designed for your every surgical maneuver

Five tip sizes for brain and spine procedures

Unparalleled non-stick and low-profile features

LEARN MORE AND SHOP ONLINE

Pathology

  • Caused by mutation in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene
  • Mutations lead to abnormal cellular differentiation and proliferation

Clinical Features

  • Symptoms
    • Most commonly has neurologic manifestations
    • Classic triad is actually uncommon (~30%)
      • Facial angiofibromas, seizures, and mental retardation
  • Age
    • Highly variable age at presentation due to variable penetrance
  • Gender
    • No predilection

Imaging

  • General
  • Modality specific
    • CT
      • Tubers: hypodense to isodense, although often difficult to appreciate with CT
      • Subependymal nodules
        • Calcified and noncalcified subependymal nodules
        • Presence of enhancement raises the concern of developing SEGAs
    • MRI
      • T1WI
        • Tubers: hypointense to isointense, sometimes hyperintense
        • Subependymal nodules: often hyperintense
        • SEGAs: hypointense to isointense
      • T2WI
        • Tubers: isointense to slightly hyperintense
        • Subependymal nodules: isointense to hyperintense
        • SEGAs: heterogeneous isointense to hyperintense
      • DWI
        • No restriction
      • T2*
        • Subependymal nodules and SEGAs: hypointense calcifications
      • Contrast
        • Tubers: rare enhancement
        • Subependymal nodules: may have enhancement
        • SEGAs: avid enhancement
  • Imaging recommendations
    • MRI with contrast
  • Mimic
    • Superficial tubers can mimic gliomas but are usually multifocal. Subependymal nodules may have the appearance of intraventricular ependymal tumor spread. However, calcifications of these nodules in CT imaging is virtually pathognomonic for tuberous sclerosis.

For more information, please see the corresponding chapter in Radiopaedia.

Contributor: Sean Dodson, MD

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18791/nsatlas.v1.03.02.27

References

Gallagher A, Grant EP, Madan N, et al. MRI findings reveal three different types of tubers in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. J Neurol 2010;257:1373–1381. doi.org/10.1007/s00415-010-5535-2

Manoukian SB, Kowal DJ. Comprehensive imaging manifestations of tuberous sclerosis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2015;2014:933–943. doi.org/10.2214/AJR.13.12235

Umeoka S, Koyama T, Miki Y, et al. Pictorial review of tuberous sclerosis in various organs. Radiographics 2008;28:e32. doi.org/10.1148/rg.e32

Please login to post a comment.

Top