An epidemiological study of renal pathology in tuberous sclerosis complex

Abstract

The formation of angiomyolipoma in TSC is common. Polycystic kidney disease, renal carcinoma and renal failure, although rare, occur in TSC. Most patients with angiomyolipomas have neither complications nor symptoms. There was no appreciable difference between the sexes in the risk of developing these lesions. Although less commonly seen in the very young, there is no identifiable relationship after adolescence between age and the risk of having a renal angiomyolipoma. Bleeding tends to occur from large lesions (>3 cm) but most such patients have remained asymptomatic to date.