Epileptic seizures revealing tuberous sclerosis in a tropical environment: A study of 12 case series

• Published in: eNeurologicalSci Vol. 36; p. 100516
• Main Authors: Diallo, Souleymane M'Bara, Diallo, Mamadou, Barry, I.S., Touré, M.L., Barry, M.C., Diallo, M.T., Barry, S.D., Aminou, S.Y., Othon, G. Carlos, Diallo, B., Camara, N., Diallo, M.B., Zoumanigui, M., Lamah, E., Hinima, M., Mukesh, Sindu, Barry, A.K.T., Sacko, A., Singla, Ramit, Cissé, F.A., Cissé, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.09.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Bourneville sclerosis; Cortical and subcortical tubers; Epilepsy; Letters to the Editor; Republic of Guinea; Cortical and subcortical tubers; Republic of Guinea; Bourneville sclerosis; Epilepsy
• ISSN: 2405-6502; 2405-6502
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2024.100516

Epilepsy remains a significant public health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where diverse etiological factors contribute to its prevalence. Among these factors are conditions originating from the neuroectoderm, such as tuberous sclerosis. Insufficient medical attention and a lack of comprehensive multidisciplinary care contribute to its under-recognition. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study, involving 12 patients admitted to the neurology and pediatric departments of the University Hospital Ignace Deen between 2010 and 2022 due to recurring epileptic seizures. Subsequently, these patients were diagnosed with Tuberous sclerosis using the Schwartz 2007 criteria. The aim of this study is to reassess this condition from a clinical and paraclinical point of view in a tropical environment. Tuberous sclerosis, also known as Bourneville disease, was diagnosed in 12 patients exhibiting focal motor seizures and complex focal seizures likely associated with cortical and subcortical tubers detectable by EEG and neuroimaging, including CT and MRI. Delayed treatment resulted in varying degrees of mental decline. Additionally, some patients displayed cardiac hamartomas and intracranial posterior and anterior aneurysms as minor diagnostic indicators. The study reveals a consistent clinical presentation accompanied by deteriorating neurological and psychological symptoms attributed to delayed multidisciplinary management. These findings are utilized to assess therapeutic strategies and prognostic outcomes. •Epileptic seizures prompted all consultations, frequent status epilepticus noted.•Neurodevelopmental disorders in 9 patients: autism, delayed psychomotor development.•Two cases of intracranial aneurysms found.•Neuroradiology: cortical and subcortical tubers, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma.•EEG: Type III tracings, hypsarrhythmia in West syndrome cases.