Last reviewed: 22 Feb 2023
Last updated: 12 Jul 2022
Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- family history
- epilepsy
- cardiac rhabdomyoma (single or multiple)
- renal angiomyolipomas
- lymphangioleiomyomatosis of the lung
- cerebral subependymal calcified nodules
- multiple cortical tubers and/or radial migration lines
- giant cell astrocytoma
- facial angiofibromas
- cephalic plaque(s)
- non-traumatic ungual or periungual fibromas
- hypomelanotic macules
- shagreen patch(es) (connective tissue nevus)
- retinal nodular hamartoma(s)
- polycystic kidney disease
More key diagnostic factors
Other diagnostic factors
- numerous dental enamel pits and intraoral fibromas
- autism
- cognitive impairment
- behavioural problems
- multiple hamartomatous colonic polyps
Other diagnostic factors
Risk factors
- genetic predisposition
More risk factors
Diagnostic investigations
Investigations to consider
- genetic testing
- brain MRI
- neurodevelopmental assessment
- electroencephalogram (EEG)
- ECG
- echocardiography
- abdominal MRI
- glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
- blood pressure
- high-resolution chest CT
- pulmonary function tests and 6-minute walk test
- skeletal x-ray
- colonoscopy
- renal biopsy
More investigations to consider
Treatment algorithm
ACUTE
renal cell carcinoma (suspected or confirmed)
intracranial aneurysm
ONGOING
neurological
skin lesions
renal
cardiovascular
pulmonary
cognitive and behavioural
Contributors
Authors
Francis J. DiMario Jr, MD, MA, FAAP
Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Associate Chair for Academic Affairs and Faculty Development
Department of Pediatrics
Academic Chief Emeritus
Division of Pediatric Neurology
Connecticut Children's Medical Center
Hartford
CT
Disclosures
FJD is an author of a number of references cited in this topic.
Peer reviewers
Robert Robinson, MBBS, MA, MRCP, PhD
Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
Great Ormond Street Hospital
London
UK
Disclosures
RR declares that he has no competing interests.
David Neal Franz, MD
Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology
Director
Tuberous Sclerosis Clinic
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Cincinnati
OH
Disclosures
DNF declares that he has no competing interests.
Differentials
- Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH)
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN-1)
- Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome
More DifferentialsGuidelines
- Updated international tuberous sclerosis complex diagnostic criteria and surveillance and management recommendations
- The UK guidelines for management and surveillance of tuberous sclerosis complex
More Guidelines
Log in or subscribe to access all of BMJ Best Practice
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer