Renal hamartoma (angiomyolipoma) and the tuberous sclerosis complex

Abstract

Renal hamartoma is found in 40 to 80 percent of patients with tuberous sclerosis. Microscopic demonstration of fat in the tissues of the mass is felt to be the most reliable diagnostic criterion of hamartoma.Characteristically, the angiographic appearance demonstrates a large, dilated feeding vessel passing through the mass with multiple, multisacculated aneurysmal dilatations appearing like bunches of grapes. There is a delicate neovascularity without A-V shunting and an onion-peel or whorl-like appearance in the venous phase.This case is presented to point out the close association of renal hamartoma and tuberous sclerosis and the need to search for renal hamartoma when the diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis is made.