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Tuberous sclerosis complex — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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HardPaediatric and geneticsTuberous sclerosis complexSCE Dermatology

A 12-year-old with TSC has known subependymal nodules but no subependymal giant-cell astrocytoma on the latest scan. Why is serial brain MRI continued through childhood and adolescence?

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Correct answer: D — To detect SEGA growth before obstruction causes hydrocephalus or neurological decline

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · A = shown as B · E = shown as D · B = shown as E

E is correct. Subependymal nodules can coexist with or precede an enlarging SEGA near the foramen of Monro. Serial brain MRI during the age of risk aims to detect growth before ventricular obstruction, hydrocephalus or neurological deterioration. Renal, pulmonary, cardiac and cutaneous manifestations require their own organ-specific surveillance modalities.

Reference: GeneReviews: tuberous sclerosis complex: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1220/