136: Tuberous Sclerosis Flashcards
What are the common clinical presentations of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)?
TSC commonly presents with seizures during infancy and is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) that affect cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric functions.
What is the role of TSC1 and TSC2 in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex?
TSC1 (Hamartin) and TSC2 (Tuberin) are tumor suppressor genes that inhibit growth signaling through the mTORC1 pathway. Inactivating mutations in these genes lead to increased mTORC1 signaling and cell growth.
What are the cutaneous findings associated with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex?
The primary cutaneous finding in TSC is hypomelanotic macules, which are present in over 90% of children at birth or within the first few years of life. These may fade or disappear in adulthood, and detection can be improved with Wood’s lamp or UV light.
What are some worse risk factors associated with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex?
Worse risk factors for TSC include: TSC2 subtype, PKD2-TSC deletion leading to polycystic kidney disease, high tuber count and early onset epilepsy, skin manifestations such as angiofibromas and shagreen patches, and UV exposure.
What is the likely neuropsychiatric condition in a TSC patient with seizures and behavioral difficulties?
The likely condition is TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND), which affect approximately half of patients with TSC.
What are the risk factors for severe outcomes in a TSC patient with seizures and intellectual impairment?
Risk factors for severe outcomes include high tuber count, early-onset epilepsy, and TSC2 subtype.
What gene mutations are associated with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)?
Mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 tumor suppressor genes.
What are common clinical presentations of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex during infancy?
Seizures are commonly presented during infancy.
What is the transmission pattern of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex?
Sporadic cases are more common (2/3) compared to hereditary cases (1/3).
What is the role of the TSC1 and TSC2 genes in cell growth?
They form a complex that inhibits growth signaling through the mTORC1 pathway.
What are some skin manifestations associated with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex?
Angiofibromas, shagreen patches, and fibrous forehead plaques.
What is the significance of hypomelanotic macules in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex?
They are present in over 90% of children with TSC and can be detected using Wood’s lamp or UV light.
What is the clinical significance of TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND)?
They involve difficulties related to cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric disorders.
What are the two types of skin lesions associated with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)?
- Ash-leaf spots: Solitary to multiple, 0.5 to 3.0 cm in diameter, off-white and incompletely depigmented oval macules, commonly seen on the trunk and buttocks; can cause poliosis when located on the scalp.
- Confetti skin lesions: Multiple hypopigmented macules, 2-3 mm, typically occurring on the legs below the knees or forearms.
What is the major criterion for diagnosing hypopigmented macules in TSC?
> 3 hypopigmented macules measuring > 5 mm in longest dimension.
What percentage of patients with TSC develop facial angiofibromas, and at what age do they typically appear?
75-90% of patients develop facial angiofibromas, which typically appear between 2-5 years of age.
Describe the characteristics of facial angiofibromas in TSC.
Facial angiofibromas are solitary to multiple, 1-3 mm pink to red papules with a smooth surface occurring on the central face, particularly concentrated on the alar grooves, cheeks, nose, and chin, with relative sparing of the upper lip and lateral face. They may increase in size and number during puberty and tend to be stable in size in adulthood.
What is a fibrous cephalic plaque and its prevalence in TSC patients?
A fibrous cephalic plaque is an irregular, soft to firm connective tissue nevus that may be congenital or develop gradually over years, occurring in 40% of patients. It typically develops on the forehead but can also occur on the scalp, cheeks, and face.
What is a shagreen patch and its common locations in TSC patients?
A shagreen patch is a 1-10 cm firm or rubbery irregular plaque with coalescing papules and nodules, creating a bumpy or orange skin appearance. It is most commonly seen on the lower back to sacral region, and less commonly on the mid/upper back, buttocks, or thighs.
What are ungual fibromas and their prevalence in adults with TSC?
Ungual fibromas, also known as Koenen tumors, are common in 85% of adults with TSC, primarily found on the toes more than the fingers.
What are periungual fibromas and their characteristics?
Periungual fibromas are red firm, pointed, hyperkeratotic or soft and round papules/nodules that arise in the proximal nail fold and can press on the nail matrix, causing a longitudinal groove.
What is the typical appearance and diagnostic significance of a Shagreen patch?
A Shagreen patch is a firm or rubbery irregular plaque with coalescing papules and nodules, creating a bumpy or orange skin appearance. It is a major diagnostic feature of TSC.
What is the typical location and diagnostic significance of a fibrous cephalic plaque?
A fibrous cephalic plaque is typically located on the forehead and is a major diagnostic feature of TSC.
How can hypomelanotic macules be better visualized?
Hypomelanotic macules can be better visualized using a Wood’s lamp or UV light.