Tuberous Sclerosis Complex in a 20-year-old Female: Delayed Recognition and Life-threatening Outcomes

Abstract

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare, autosomal dominant multisystem disorder affecting the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and skin leading to significant morbidity and mortality. We report a case of TSC and highlight the need for prompt diagnosis and proper surveillance to minimize life-threatening complications. A 20-year-old female presented with facial and ungual papulonodular lesions 4 years after being diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of eight. No family history of genetic diseases was reported. Eight years later, the patient developed recurrent cough, shortness of breath, and blurring of vision. Biopsy of facial and digital nodule showed angiofibroma and ungual fibroma (Koenen tumor), respectively. Chest computed tomography scan revealed extensive cystic lesions diffusely scattered throughout the entire lung parenchyma suggestive of lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Cranial MRI revealed cortical and subependymal tubers, compatible with TSC. The patient had multidisciplinary management. However, her symptoms progressed, and she eventually succumbed to death. Cutaneous lesions such as facial angiofibromas and ungual fibromas along with multisystemic manifestations should alarm the clinician to TSC. Given its highly variable expressivity, awareness of different TSC-associated signs and symptoms is essential for prompt diagnosis, proper treatment, disease monitoring, and early recognition of TSC complications.