Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Genetic counselling and perinatal follow-up

Arch Pediatr. 2022 Dec;29(5S):5S3-5S7. doi: 10.1016/S0929-693X(22)00283-4.

Abstract

Tuberous sclerosis is an autosomal dominant disorder almost fully penetrant with highly variable expression. Most cases are de novo and this diagnosis is sometimes considered during prenatal life in case of cardiac tumor, unique or multiple. The couple should be referred to a specialized tertiary prenatal care center for expertise and information. Fetal molecular testing of the two genes TSC1 and TSC2 is often informative. Prognosis determination for Tuberous Sclerosis remains a difficult task. Cardiac tumors can be sometimes worrying but only a minority will have a pejorative issue and most cases are asymptomatic without any therapeutic intervention needed. Only few cases need surgical or medical treatment. Patients with Tuberous Sclerosis can develop skin, eye, kidney or lung lesions later on, but they are either of limited consequence or treatable. The crux of the matter is the neurological involvement with frequent intellectual deficiency and epilepsy that can be drug-resistant. The absence of lesion on fetal brain MRI is not predictive of any prognosis and does not rule out Tuberous Sclerosis. De novo TSC2 mutation is a negative prognosis factor and conversely, an inherited TSC1 mutation is a more favorable one, but with a severe issue still possible. Facing this cautious prognosis, some couple may opt for termination of pregnancy while others decide to pursue it. It is then fundamental to set cardiac and neurological regular follow-up for these newborns. © 2022 French Society of Pediatrics. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Cardiac rhabdomyoma; Genetic counselling; TSC1; TSC2; Tuberous Sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Genetic Counseling
  • Heart Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Mutation
  • Pregnancy
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 Protein / genetics
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein / genetics
  • Tuberous Sclerosis* / diagnosis
  • Tuberous Sclerosis* / genetics
  • Tuberous Sclerosis* / therapy
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 Protein