Cutaneous manifestations of tuberous sclerosis.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of periungual masses probably related to tuberous sclerosis and to review the literature regarding tuberous sclerosis, including the historical, clinical, and diagnostic aspects. Also discussed is the long-term follow-up of the disease.

METHODS

Report of a case of periungual masses secondary to tuberous sclerosis and review of the literature from 1999 to 2009, with the use of MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine).

RESULTS

I describe a case of periungual masses occurring as a result of tuberous sclerosis. A literature review confirms periungual masses associated with tuberous sclerosis in most cases. Also, the observance of cutaneous manifestations is most helpful in the diagnosis of this disorder.

CONCLUSION

Tuberous sclerosis is an uncommon disorder, which has a variable clinical presentation. Tuberous sclerosis is associated with seizures and mental retardation. In the absence of these 2 signs/symptoms, physicians should still consider the diagnosis when presented with varied dermatologic conditions.