Patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are at increased risk o
f renal disease, predominantly angiomyolipomas and renal cysts. We ret
rospectively reviewed clinical data of 71 patients diagnosed with TSC,
Progression of renal lesions was noted. TSC patients with renal lesio
ns were compared with TSC patients without renal disease. Fifteen of 3
8 patients had renal abnormalities by imaging at presentation. Six of
9 with initially normal kidneys subsequently developed new lesions, Al
though not of statistical significance, there was a trend toward incre
ased retinal hamartomas, cardiac rhabdomyomas, and skill lesions in th
ose patients who also had renal abnormalities, Renal disease should be
considered and sought in all patients with TSC, both at initial prese
ntation and subsequently, since renal disease is a very significant ca
use of morbidity and mortality.