Sudden death in epilepsy due to an isolated subependymal giant cell astrocytoma of the septum pellucidum.

We report a case of sudden unexpected death in an individual with epilepsy. Autopsy revealed a subependymal giant cell astrocytoma of the septum pellucidum, but there were no other lesions of tuberous sclerosis. We discuss sudden death in epilepsy, deaths related to primary brain tumors, the pathology of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, and whether or not such a tumor can exist outside the setting of tuberous sclerosis. We also discuss the implications such findings may have on surviving family members, as well as the important role of the forensic pathologist in such cases.