Splenic involvement in tuberous sclerosis. Report of three cases

Three cases of tuberous sclerosis in neonates were found to have focal, frequently perivascular, collections of large cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. These cells resembled those found in brain lesions of tuberous sclerosis but did not stain for acidic protein. Ultrastructurally, they were characterized by many membrane bound cytoplasmic bodies, 90 to 270 nm in diameter, with amorphous contents. Filaments were not demonstrated. Their appearance is considered most consistent with histiocytic origin. Large cells with a histiocytic appearance and a superficial resemblance to those seen in the brain in tuberous sclerosis, but a different ultrastructure and reaction to GFAP staining, may be found in the spleen of neonates with this disease.