Epilepsy with renal cysts

Tuberous sclerosis complex. It is an autosomal dominant condition. The two genes responsible are TSC1 on chromosome 9 and TSC2 on chromosome 16. TSC 1 codes for hamartin and TSC 2 codes for tuberin. Loss of either of the proteins results in the formation of numerous benign tumors called hamartomas throughout the body involving skin, brain, heart, kidneys, liver and lungs. {1} Clinical and radiographic features of tuberous sclerosis complex have now been divided into major and minor categories based on the apparent degree of specificity for tuberous sclerosis complex of each feature. Definitive diagnosis requires at least 2 major or 1 major and 2 minor features. {2} Our patient presented with abdominal pain and had bilaterally palpable mass per abdomen which turned out to be multiple renal cysts in both the kidneys. She had history of convulsions since 2 years of age, controlled on sodium valproate. She was fulfilling 3 major criteria – subependymal nodules along the walls of lateral ventricle, more than 3 hypomelanotic patches and shagreen patch over the back. She had 1 minor criteria as well i.e. bilateral multiple renal cysts. {3}

E-published: January-March 2014 Vol 11 Issue 1 Art No. 1

References :

Schwartz RA, Fernández G, Kotulska K, Józwiak S. Tuberous sclerosis complex: advances in diagnosis, genetics, and management. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007; 57: 189-202 Roach ES, Gomez MR, Northrup H. Tuberous sclerosis complex consensus conference: revised clinical diagnostic criteria. J Child Neurol. 1998; 13: 624-628 Bernstein J. Renal cystic disease in the tuberous sclerosis complex. Pediatr Nephrol. 1993; 7: 490-495