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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffComplications of tuberous sclerosis vary, depending on where the lesions develop.
- Lesions in the brain known as subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGA) can block the flow of cerebral spinal fluid within the brain. This blockage can cause various signs and symptoms, including nausea, headaches and behavior changes.
- Lesions in the heart can block blood flow or cause problems with heart rhythm (dysrhythmia). These lesions are usually largest at birth and shrink as the child gets older.
- Lesions in the eye can interfere with vision if they block too much of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina), though this is rare.
- Lesions in the kidney can lead to kidney failure. Rarely, lesions in the kidney can become cancerous.
- Lesions in the lungs can lead to lung failure.
References
- Tuberous sclerosis fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tuberous_sclerosis/detail_tuberous_sclerosis.htm. Accessed Oct. 4, 2011.
- Seibert D, et al. Recognition of tuberous sclerosis in adult women: Delayed presentation with life-threatening consequences. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2011;154:806.
- Tuberous sclerosis complex. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 5, 2011.
- My child has tuberous sclerosis: A brochure for parents. Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance. http://www.tsalliance.org/publications/52810_NTSA.pdf. Accessed Oct. 4, 2011.
- Tuberous sclerosis complex. Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/tuberous-sclerosis-complex. Accessed Oct. 4, 2011.
- DeKlotz CMC, et al. Dramatic improvement of facial angiofibromas in tuberous sclerosis with topical rapamycin: Optimizing a treatment protocol. Archives of Dermatology. 2011;147:1116.
- Patterson MC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 8, 2011.
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