A 28-Year-Old Male Patient with Nail Tumors, Skin Lesions, and Epilepsy

Abstract

Background

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the development of benign hamartomas in multiple organs. Most patients with TSC exhibit cutaneous manifestations.

Methods

We report a 28-year-old patient with multiple pink papules at the proximal nail fold of several toes.

Results

Histopathological analysis of a biopsy of a papule was consistent with an ungual fibroma. Histopathological analysis of a biopsy of an elevated skin-colored plaque at the lower back was diagnostic for a Shagreen patch. These findings were consistent with a clinical diagnosis of TSC. This patient was subsequently referred to a multidisciplinary TSC clinic for further screening, which revealed a giant cell astrocytoma and multiple subependymal tubers. Annual monitoring was recommended. The skin lesions were treated with topical rapamycin ointment.

Conclusions

Recognizing dermatological manifestations of TSC is of importance to allow early diagnosis. TSC should be considered as a differential diagnosis in the case of ungual fibromas, even in older patients.

Introduction

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene [1]. The incidence of TSC is estimated at 1 case per 6,000 births [2]. TSC is characterized by the development of benign hamartomas that can occur in multiple organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and skin [3]. Furthermore, TSC can be associated with neurological manifestations such as epilepsy and learning disabilities [4]. Both the spectrum and severity of clinical manifestations of TSC are variable. Several manifestations of TSC have an age-dependent onset of expression [5]. As a result, clinical evaluation for TSC can be difficult. Early diagnosis of TSC is of importance, considering that TSC is associated with increased morbidity and mortality [6]. In addition, there is an increased risk of malignancy in TSC, primarily in the kidneys, brain, and soft tissues [7].

TSC can be diagnosed through genetic identification of a pathological mutation or by means of clinical features. In 2012, the diagnostic criteria for TSC were revised and categorized into major and minor features (see Table 1) [3]. A definite diagnosis of TSC can be made in the case of 2 major features or 1 major feature with 2 or more minor features. Positivity of 1 major feature alone or 2 or more minor features is indicative of a possible diagnosis of TSC.

Table 1.

Revised clinical diagnostic criteria for TSC, according to the 2012 International Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Consensus Conference [3]

Major criteria

Hypomelanotic macules (≥3, at least 5-mm diameter)

Angiofibromas (≥3) or fibrous cephalic plaque

Ungual fibromas (≥2)

Shagreen patch

Multiple retinal hamartomas

Cortical dysplasias

Subependymal nodules

Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma

Cardiac rhabdomyoma

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Angiomyolipomas

Minor criteria

“Confetti” skin lesions

Dental enamel pits (>3)

Intraoral fibromas (≥2)

Retinal achromic patch

Multiple renal cysts

Nonrenal hamartomas

Cutaneous manifestations are common in TSC [8]. In fact, 4 out of 11 major TSC criteria and 3 out of 6 minor criteria comprise dermatological features. The majority of patients with TSC have 1 or more TSC-related skin lesions [9]. Several dermatological features of TSC often present early – within the first months after birth (see Table 2) [10]. Recognizing dermatological manifestations of TSC is therefore of importance to allow early diagnosis [8]. Here, we report a case of TSC in which the suspicion of a diagnosis of TSC was based on dermatological findings.

Table 2.

Dermatological manifestations of TSC

Feature	Prevalence	Age at onset
Hypomelanotic macules	Up to 90%	0 years
Angiofibromas	75%	2–5 years
Ungual fibromas	20–80%	20–30 years
Shagreen patch	50%	0–10 years
“Confetti” skin lesions	Up to 60%	0–10 years

Report

A 28-year-old male patient was referred to our dermatology outpatient clinic for evaluation of nail lesions. He had growths at the proximal nail fold of several of his toes that were present for 2 years. Prior treatment with miconazole cream was unsuccessful in clearing the nail lesions. His medical history was significant for asthma, for which he used salbutamol and salmeterol/fluticasone inhalation. Furthermore, at the age of 1 year he was diagnosed with epilepsy. There was no family history of dermatological or genetic disorders.

At clinical examination, multiple pink-colored pedunculated papules at the lateral basis of the proximal nail fold of digit 1 and 4 of his left foot were noted (see Fig. 1). Further, total body skin inspection revealed multiple hypopigmentated maculae at the trunk and a slightly elevated skin-colored plaque at the lower back. At the malar region of the face, several red papules were seen.

Fig. 1.

a, b Clinical photographs of ungual fibromas (arrows). c Histopathological analysis of a skin biopsy obtained from a papule at the proximal nail fold, consistent with an ungual fibroma.

Histopathological analysis of a skin biopsy obtained from a papule at the proximal nail fold showed hyperkeratosis of the epidermis and thick collagen bundles together with dilated vessels in the dermis. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of ungual fibroma, also known as a Koenen tumor (see Fig. 1). Histopathological analysis of a skin biopsy of the plaque at the lower trunk showed thickened bundles of collagen within the dermis with widely spaced, diminished, and fragmented elastic fibers, consistent with a collagenoma (see Fig. 2). Based on clinicopathological correlation, a diagnosis of Shagreen patch was made.

Fig. 2.

a Clinical photograph of a Shagreen patch (arrow). b Histopathological analysis of a skin biopsy obtained from a plaque at the lower trunk, consistent with a Shagreen patch.

Taken together, these findings were consistent with a clinical diagnosis of TSC. This patient was subsequently referred to a specialized TSC clinic for adult patients at the University Medical Center Utrecht (Utrecht, The Netherlands) for further screening and management. MRI of the cerebrum showed a giant cell astrocytoma and multiple subependymal tubers. MRI of the kidneys showed multiple small cysts; there were no angiomyolipomas. CT of the thorax revealed lipomas in the cardiac ventricle wall. Ophthalmic evaluation was without abnormalities.

Given the abnormalities in the cerebrum, yearly follow-up was advised. The skin and nail lesions were treated with topical rapamycin (sirolimus) 0.01% ointment, which is a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor.

Discussion

TSC is a genetic multi-organ disease with a highly variable disease expression. Here, we report a case of a 28-year-old male patient with a medical history of epilepsy in which the diagnosis of TSC was determined clinically on the presence of ungual fibromas and a Shagreen patch.

This report has several learning points. First, this case is an example of an age-related expression of the clinical manifestations of TSC. The ungual fibromas, which in this case were the presenting sign for the diagnosis of TSC, had an onset at age 26 years. This is in line with previous findings that ungual fibromas present during adolescence (see Table 2) [9, 11]. Therefore, a possible diagnosis of TSC should be considered when patients present with skin lesions suggestive for TSC, even at an older age. Second, TSC should be considered as a differential diagnosis in the case of ungual fibromas, especially with a medical history of neurological symptoms such as epilepsy. Third, full body skin examination including the nails and oral cavity is of importance when a diagnosis of TSC is suspected in order to assess other potential TSC-related cutaneous manifestations [10]. Fourth, de novo mutations, like in this case, occur in about 80% of TSC patients [12]. Therefore, in most cases there is no family history of TSC.

Given the potential multi-organ manifestations of TSC, the management and follow-up of TSC requires a multidisciplinary approach. We referred our patient to a specialized TSC clinic for adult patients. There, annual follow-up will be performed according to current recommendations [13].

Treatment with sirolimus ointment, a topical mTOR inhibitor, was initiated to treat the cutaneous lesions. To date, only case series are available on the use of topical sirolimus for TSC-related skin lesions [14, 15]. In randomized, placebo-controlled trials with oral everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, positive effects were noted on the clearance of skin lesions [16]. Other treatment options for cutaneous TSC lesions include surgery and laser therapy [8].

In conclusion, cutaneous features are common in TSC and may be a presenting sign for the diagnosis. Recognizing dermatological manifestations of TSC is of importance to allow early diagnosis.

Statement of Ethics

Informed consent for publishing this case was obtained from the patient.

Disclosure Statement

There are no conflicts of interest. There are no funding sources for this work.