Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Progressive calcified tuber in a young male with tuberous sclerosis complex
Anne Gallagher1, Neel Madan, Anat Stemmer-Rachamimov
1Carol and James Herscot Center for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
None:
Tubers are the most common brain lesions in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), and typically remain stable in size and appearance. We present the case of a young male with global developmental impairment and autistic features as well as multiple and mixed daily seizures. The patient had a prominent right frontal cortical tuber characterized by a calcified component, which changed on consecutive magnetic resonance imaging between the age of 4 and 11 years, at which time the patient underwent a lesionectomy. A poor long-term outcome is reported since the patient presents an intractable mixed seizure disorder status post-epilepsy surgery and no significant neuropsychological improvements. Histopathology findings show typical characteristics of tubers in TSC as well as numerous calcifications within the resected nodular lesion. This case supports the notion that tubers with calcified components are not necessarily static lesions and can change with time. Investigation of the relationship between the presence of calcification in tubers and epileptogenecity in a large group of patients would provide insights into the pathogenesis of the seizures and cognitive impairment and hopefully, eventually provide better treatment options for patients with TSC.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Tuberculosis
