Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Presenting with Status Epilepticus: A Case Report on Diagnostic and Management Challenges in a Resource-Limited Setting

Authors

  • Dr Cheryl-Joan Kashitala University Teaching Hospital, Young Emerging Scientists Zambia(YES Zambia), Mulungushi University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Dr Angela Dzoro University Teaching Hospital
  • Dr Tedson Mwanza University Teaching Hospital, Childrens Hospital, Lusaka Zambia
  • Dr Chanda Kapoma Mulungushi University School of Medicine and Health sciences, Department of Clinical Science, Livingstone, ZambiaLivingstone University Teaching Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Livingstone, Zambia,
  • Dr Malan Malumani Mulungushi University School of Medicine and Health Sciences,Livingstone University Teaching Hospital, Livingstone Zambia
  • Dr Sepiso Masenga Mulungushi University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Physiological Science, HIV/AIDS, Nutrition, Diabetes and Dyslipidemia(HAND) Research Group, Livingstone Zambia
  • Dr Lukundo Siame Mulungushi University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Human Anatomy, Livingstone Zambia
  • Dr Benson Hamooya Mulungushi University School of Medicine and Health sciences, Department of Public Health, Hypertension, HIV/AIDS, Nutrition, Diabetes and Dyslipidemia (HAND) Research Group, Livingstone, Zambia.
  • Dr Michelo Miyoba 4Livingstone University Teaching Hospital, Department of Surgery, Livingstone, Zambia. 5Mulungushi University School of Medicine and Health sciences, Department of Clinical Science, Livingstone, Zambia.
  • Dr Mussa Phiri University Teaching Hospitals Children’s Hospital Lusaka, Paediatrics and Child Health Department 2Livingstone University Teaching Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Livingstone, Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55320/mjz.52.3.667

Keywords:

seizures, Multidisciplinary Health Care Teams

Abstract

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a diverse range of clinical manifestations and diagnostic challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings. We present a 13-year-old male patient with refractory seizures, developmental delays, angiofibromas, renal involvement, and malnutrition. The patient had been misdiagnosed with isolated epilepsy and malnutrition during prior hospital visits, delaying appropriate intervention. Despite limited access to advanced diagnostics, clinical evaluation and characteristic dermatological findings confirmed TSC. This case underscores the importance of early recognition, multidisciplinary care, and improved healthcare access to optimize patient outcomes.

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Author Biographies

  • Dr Cheryl-Joan Kashitala, University Teaching Hospital, Young Emerging Scientists Zambia(YES Zambia), Mulungushi University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

    Junior Resident Medical Officer

    Research Assistant

  • Dr Angela Dzoro, University Teaching Hospital

    Junior Resident Medical Officer

  • Dr Chanda Kapoma, Mulungushi University School of Medicine and Health sciences, Department of Clinical Science, Livingstone, ZambiaLivingstone University Teaching Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Livingstone, Zambia,

    Paediatrician

  • Dr Malan Malumani, Mulungushi University School of Medicine and Health Sciences,Livingstone University Teaching Hospital, Livingstone Zambia

    Consultant Dermatologist

  • Dr Mussa Phiri, University Teaching Hospitals Children’s Hospital Lusaka, Paediatrics and Child Health Department 2Livingstone University Teaching Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Livingstone, Zambia

    Junior Resident Medical Officer

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Published

02-06-2025

Issue

Section

Case Report

How to Cite

Kashitala, C.-J., Dzoro, A. R., Mwanza, T. ., Kapoma, C., Malumani, M., Masenga, S., Siame, L., Hamooya, B., Miyoba, M., & Phiri, M. (2025). Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Presenting with Status Epilepticus: A Case Report on Diagnostic and Management Challenges in a Resource-Limited Setting. Medical Journal of Zambia, 52(3), 468-474. https://doi.org/10.55320/mjz.52.3.667

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