MR findings of tuberous sclerosis

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of thirteen patients with tuberous sclerosis were reviewed. Seven patients underwent computed tomography (CT). The characteristic MR finding of tuberous sclerosis was those of subependymal nodules which were best seen on short repetition time (TR) spin-echo images. Hypointensities within the nodules consistent with calcification were most evident on long TR images. Contrast enhancing lesions, indicative subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, occurred in four cases. Cortical tubers (n = 11) and white matter lesions (n = 8) exhibited long T1 and T2 relaxation characteristics although reversed pattern was noted in one newborn patient. Cortical tubers and white matter lesions had more irregular shapes in early childhood patients. MR imaging is the sensitive method in detection of gyral tubers and white matter lesions and also valuable in detecting giant cell astrocytoma