Tuberous sclerosis. Comparison of computed tomography and conventional neuroradiology

Abstract

Sixty-two patients with tuberous sclerosis were studied by skull radiography. In addition, 16 had CT scanning, 26 had air studies, and 5 had cerebral angiography. Both subependymal and parenchymal tubers were shown on CT; all had a higher density than the brain and none were enhanced by contrast material. CT showed tubers in 13 of 16 patients, including 4 of 6 patients with glioma and hydrocephalus. Air studies showed subependymal tubers in 12 of 26 patients. Four other patients had intraventricular gliomas but no tubers. Skull radiographs showed spotty calcification, compatible with tuberous sclerosis, in 30 cases. Four patients had calcification compatible with tumor. Angiograms were nonspecific, showing intraventricular masses but no tubers.