Maternal and Fetal Tuberous Sclerosis: Do We Know Enough as an Obstetrician?

Tuberous sclerosis, also known as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), is a rare genetic condition that mainly causes hamartomas to develop in different parts of the body. TSC, an autosomal dominant trait with variable penetrance, can adversely affect maternal and fetal outcome.

In this paper, a case of maternal and fetal tuberous sclerosis having fetal cardiac rhabdomyoma detected in utero at 26 weeks was reported who subsequently had fetal demise at 31 weeks.

Tuberous sclerosis is a rare genetic condition that mainly causes development of hamartomas. In tuberous sclerosis, a cardiac rhabdomyoma is the only sign that can be detected prenatally. In maternal tuberous sclerosis, fetal ECHO is advisable after 24 weeks. A pregnancy complicated by maternal or fetal tuberous sclerosis deserves careful observation and the fetus should undergo prenatal fetal Doppler echocardiography and if possible magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of other fetal structures including brain and renal parenchyma, so that parents can be counseled regarding its future prognostic implications. Tuberous sclerosis can lead to poor fetal outcome including intrauterine fetal death; hence regular antenatal follow up is required. Genetic counseling is recommended for couples who have a family history of tuberous sclerosis and who want to have children. Prenatal diagnosis is available for families with a known gene mutation or history of this condition.