Management of renal angiomyolipoma in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex

Renal angiomyolipomas are common in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), and the risk of severe haemorrhage from these angiomyolipomas can become substantial. This case illustrates a potentially life-threatening condition due to the development of a large aneurysm within an angiomyolipoma, which was discovered within 14 months of her screening renal ultrasound scan. Renal arterial embolisation and renal sparing surgery resulted in good recovery. Clear guidelines for the screening, surveillance, and treatment of angiomyolipomas in patients with TSC are required. This includes the appropriate frequency of surveillance for patients in different age groups and at different stages of angiomyolipoma development, based on a growing knowledge of the natural history of this condition, since growth of renal angiomyolipomas can be rapid and asymptomatic. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging may be required to demonstrate complications in large lesions, as three ultrasound examinations in this patient failed to detect the large aneurysm which had developed. Angiogenesis inhibitors could potentially play a role in preventing the development of angiomyolipomas, which could improve the prognosis for patients with TSC and therefore warrants investigation through phase II/III clinical trials.