[Computerized cerebral tomography in tuberous sclerosis. Study of 3 patients]

The findings on computerized axial tomography of the brain in three patients with tuberous sclerosis are reported. Numerous intracranial calcified nodules varying in size from a few millimeters to one centimeter, located preferentially below the ependyma of the lateral ventricles and determining filling defects in its lumen were found in all cases. Other calcified lesions were found in a subcortical location. One patient presented areas of low density throughout the hemispheric white matter, and another showed ventricular dilatation of the ventricles and basal cisternas. Computerized axial tomography is useful in the evaluation of patients with tuberous sclerosis because of its early demonstration of the characteristic intracranial lesions and detection of complications such as calcification of basal and cerebellar ganglia, hydrocephalus, and development of gliomas. Low density areas may correspond to foci of demyelinization. Furthermore, computerized axial tomography allows the demonstration of cerebral tuberosities in asymptomatic relatives, thus offsetting the inconveniences of pneumoencephalography.