# Late diagnosis and effective everolimus treatment in a familial case of tuberous sclerosis complex: a case report

**Authors:** Fang Dai, Yulian Duan, Bao-an Di, Qiang Feng, Jing Cui, Tao Lv

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2026.1772908 · Frontiers in Genetics · 2026-02-23

## TL;DR

A family with tuberous sclerosis complex was diagnosed late, and the patient improved with everolimus treatment.

## Contribution

Demonstrates the efficacy of everolimus in managing TSC symptoms and highlights the need for timely genetic testing.

## Key findings

- A TSC2 gene mutation was identified in the patient and mother, confirming familial TSC.
- Everolimus treatment led to reduced seizures and improved facial angiofibromas.
- Genetic testing is crucial for early diagnosis and preventing delays in TSC cases.

## Abstract

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder. Despite established genetic causes, missed or late diagnosis remains common in familial cases. This study reports a familial case of TSC to highlight the diagnostic challenges and evaluate the clinical efficacy of everolimus in managing cutaneous and neurologic symptoms.

The patient presented with refractory seizures, facial angiofibromas, and intellectual disability. Sequencing analysis revealed a mutation in the TSC2 gene in both the patient and the mother: c.848 + 281 (IVS9) C > T. No mutation at this site was detected in the father. Following the diagnosis, the patient received treatment with everolimus. A significant reduction in seizure frequency and improvement in facial angiofibromas were observed during the follow-up period.

A heterozygous splicing mutation in the TSC2 gene was identified, confirming the diagnosis of familial TSC. This case underscores the importance of genetic testing in suspected cases to prevent late diagnosis. Furthermore, our findings support the effectiveness of everolimus as a therapeutic option for alleviating TSC-associated neurological and cutaneous manifestations.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** TSC2 (TSC complex subunit 2) [NCBI Gene 7249]
- **Chemicals:** everolimus (PubChem CID 6442177)
- **Diseases:** tuberous sclerosis complex (MONDO:0001734)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** TSC1 (TSC complex subunit 1) [NCBI Gene 7248] {aka LAM, TSC}, MTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase) [NCBI Gene 2475] {aka FRAP, FRAP1, FRAP2, RAFT1, RAPT1, SKS}, TSC2 (TSC complex subunit 2) [NCBI Gene 7249] {aka LAM, PPP1R160, TSC4}
- **Diseases:** nystagmus (MESH:D009759), intellectual impairment (MESH:C565406), papules (MESH:D000169), drug allergies (MESH:D004342), facial rash (MESH:D005076), Edematous lesions (MESH:D001929), Ungual fibromas (MESH:D005350), cutaneous (MESH:D018366), nausea (MESH:D009325), cutaneous lesions (MESH:D009059), cognitive impairment (MESH:D003072), Facial angiofibromas (MESH:D018322), vomiting (MESH:D014839), mental or behavioral abnormalities (MESH:C564560), autosomal dominant inherited disorder (MESH:D030342), cutaneous and neurologic (MESH:C537301), exophthalmos (MESH:D005094), convulsions (MESH:D012640), fever (MESH:D005334), Bourneville disease (MESH:D014402), enophthalmos (MESH:D015841), intellectual disability (MESH:D008607), limb movement disorders (MESH:D020189), renal angiomyolipomas (MESH:D018207), diplopia (MESH:D004172), blurred vision (MESH:D014786), tremor (MESH:D014202), skin lesions (MESH:D012871), headache (MESH:D006261), Hypomelanotic macules (MESH:C537836), epilepsy (MESH:D004827), hamartoma (MESH:D006222), autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder (MESH:D020752), meningeal irritation (MESH:D008580), dizziness (MESH:D004244), loss of consciousness (MESH:D014474), weakness (MESH:D018908), hypertrophy (MESH:D006984), tumor (MESH:D009369)
- **Chemicals:** eosin (MESH:D004801), Everolimus (MESH:D000068338), hematoxylin (MESH:D006416), Shagreen (-), H&amp;E (MESH:D006371), Sodium valproate (MESH:D014635)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]
- **Mutations:** c.848 + 281 (IVS9) C > T, cytosine-to-thymine

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12968207/full.md

## References

16 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12968207/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12968207