Tuberous sclerosis: increased MR detection using gradient echo techniques

The case of a child with a pervasive developmental disorder secondary to tuberous sclerosis is presented. Magnetic resonance images demonstrated several areas of decreased signal on both T1- and T2-weighted conventional spin echo sequences. The abnormal areas became more conspicuous on the gradient echo images. The increase in conspicuity of the parenchymal brain lesions in the gradient echo images was presumably secondary to magnetic susceptibility effects.