[Tuberous sclerosis from the viewpoint of the urologist]

Renal lesions in patients with tuberous sclerosis are angiomyolipomas which are found in 47-73% of patients and cysts which are less frequent and are encountered in 18-53%. Usually they are multiple and bilateral. In the majority they are asymptomatic, sometimes they cause however by their invasive growth renal damage and serious clinical manifestations. The greatest diagnostic asset is ultrasonography, CT and magnetic resonance. In patients with tuberous sclerosis and suspected angiomyolipoma it is always necessary to rule out a malignant renal tumour, which may be sometimes quite difficult. Asymptomatic lesions do not call for treatment. Surgery is indicated in case of complications--haemorrhage threatening life, dangerous compression of neighbouring organs and suspect malignant disease. The authors describe experience with two patients where surgery was necessary, in one instance unilateral nephrectomy and in the other patient consecutive bilateral nephrectomy.