ABSTRACT
Objective To describe the skeletal CT imaging manifestations in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex(TSC),and to analyze their diagnostic value so as to establish an adequate skeletal change imaging data for the diagnosis of TSC.Methods Thirteen patients fulfilling TSC diagnostic criteria were examined with CT of the brain (n=13)and abdomen (n=7).Examinations from January,2004 to July, 2006 were retrospectively analyzed.Results There were three forms of lesions being demonstrated on CT: (1)Multiple sclerosing nodule (n=13):numerous,ovoid and circular,homogeneous,small and well- defined loci and symmetrical lesions were revealed in all cases in the central marrow portion of the bones, which could mimic blastic metastases.Follow-up CT imaging showed no change in both size and number. The lesions measured approximately 2-10mm.(2)Local sclerosing bone dysplasia with little bone expansion (n=7).Symmetrical and irregular density in the radix of the posterior arch of the vertebral body (n = 5 ).(3 )The spherical periosteal proliferation demonstrating as a cortex double line sign (n=2 ),and cortical thickening of metatarsals (n = 3 ).The appearance of the skeletal manifestation was as that in adulthood.Conclusion CT imaging of the skeletal system in TSC has some characteristics,by which the diagnosis of TSC could be made if combined with other main clinical diagnostic criteria. We suggest that those particular findings can be added as primary diagnostic features in the clinical diagnosis of TSC.