Factors predicting the active treatment of renal angiomyolipoma: 30 years of experience in two tertiary referral centers

Introduction and objective

This study aimed to identify clinical features representing predictive factors of active treatment (AT) compared to active surveillance (AS) for renal angiomyolipoma (AML).

Patients and methods

From 1990 to 2020, patients referred to two institutions for a renal mass and diagnosed with an AML based on typical features on CT were included in the analysis. The study population was divided into two groups based on the treatment received: active surveillance (AS) or active treatment (AT). Age, gender, tuberous sclerosis syndrome, tumor size, contralateral kidney disease, renal function, year of diagnosis, and symptoms at presentation were assessed as potential predictive factors of active treatment using a logistic regression model in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

In total, 253 patients (mean age 52.3 ± 15.7 years; 70% women; 70.9% incidentally diagnosed) were included in the analysis. One hundred and nine (43%) received AS, whereas 144 (57%) were actively treated. For univariate analysis, age, tuberous sclerosis complex syndrome, tumor size, symptoms at presentation, and contralateral kidney disease were found to be predictors of AT. Only tumor size (p < 0.001) and the year of diagnosis (p < 0.001) remained significant for multivariable analyses. The likelihood of being managed with AS evolved over the study period and was 50% and 75% when diagnosed before and after 2010, respectively. With respect to size, 4-cm and 6-cm tumors had a probability of 50% and 75% of being treated with AS, respectively.

Conclusion

The present analysis from a high-volume institution provides evidence that the management of renal masses with typical radiological features of AML has markedly changed over the last three decades with a trend toward AS over AT. Tumor size and the year of diagnosis were significant factors for the treatment strategies.

Late diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex in a 40-year-old female presenting with abdominal pain: a case report

Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a rare autosomal-dominant neurocutaneous disorder that is characterized by hamartomas affecting a variety of organs, including the brain, heart, kidneys, skin, lungs, and liver. TS can emerge in a wide variety of clinical and phenotypic forms at any age, all with varying degrees of severity, and is brought on by mutations in the tumor suppressor genes TSC1 or TSC2. This case report is about a 40-year-old female with facial angiofibromas and abdominal symptoms who was referred to the radiology department of our hospital for ultrasonography of the abdomen, which revealed echogenic mass lesions/angiomyolipomas in bilateral kidneys. Subsequent contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen revealed large fat-attenuating mass lesions which were confirmed to be angiomyolipomas. Similarly, noncontrast computed tomography of the head showed multiple calcified nodules/tubers in subependymal, subcortical, and cortical locations of the brain. High-resolution computed tomography of the chest showed multiple cystic lesions in bilateral lungs suggestive of lymphangioleiomyomatosis. The aim of this case report is to highlight the late presentation of tuberous sclerosis complex.

Renal organoid modeling of tuberous sclerosis complex reveals lesion features arise from diverse developmental processes

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multisystem tumor-forming disorder caused by loss of TSC1 or TSC2. Renal manifestations predominately include cysts and angiomyolipomas. Despite a well-described monogenic etiology, the cellular pathogenesis remains elusive. We report a genetically engineered human renal organoid model that recapitulates pleiotropic features of TSC kidney disease in vitro and upon orthotopic xenotransplantation. Time course single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrates that loss of TSC1 or TSC2 affects multiple developmental processes in the renal epithelial, stromal, and glial compartments. First, TSC1 or TSC2 ablation induces transitional upregulation of stromal-associated genes. Second, epithelial cells in the TSC1^-/- and TSC2^-/- organoids exhibit a rapamycin-insensitive epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Third, a melanocytic population forms exclusively in TSC1^-/- and TSC2^-/- organoids, branching from MITF⁺ Schwann cell precursors. Together, these results illustrate the pleiotropic developmental consequences of biallelic inactivation of TSC1 or TSC2 and offer insight into TSC kidney lesion pathogenesis.

[CME-Sonography 104: Angiomyolipomas]

CME-Sonography 104: Angiomyolipomas Abstract. Angiomyolipomas are the most common benign kidney tumors. Approximately 80 % are spontaneously occurring tumors, the majority <1.0 cm (approximately 54 %). These tumors do not grow and are harmless. Tumors between 1.0 and 2.5 cm (approx. 44 %) also very rarely grow and remain harmless. Larger tumors are rarely found (about 2 %). These must be carefully monitored, as tumors >4.0 cm can spontaneously manifest dangerous bleeding. Apart from spontaneous occurrence, there are also angiomyolipomas in the context of the tuberous sclerosis complex (TCS). Such tumors are often larger and combined with renal cysts and renal cell carcinomas. Measuring the of echo intensity is important for diagnosis.

Different Treatments of Symptomatic Angiomyolipomas of the Kidney: Two Case Reports

Development of more sensitive imaging techniques has caused an increase in the number of diagnosed small renal tumors. Approximately 2-3% of these lesions are proved to be angiomyolipomas (AML), a rare benign tumor of the kidney sometimes causing pain and hematuria. The most required approach is observation, but in the case of recurrent symptoms or larger tumors, which may cause bleeding, a more active treatment is required. We present two cases of symptomatic AML tumors of different sizes in the kidney: one treated with transarterial embolization (TAE), and the other with percutaneous cryoablation (CRA). The lesions were diagnosed on the basis of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both treatments proved to be effective and safe for treating renal AMLs. A follow-up carried out, based on contrast-enhanced CT scan, confirmed complete treatment of AML and decreased lesion size. There are myriad minimally invasive approaches for the treatment of renal AMLs, and the preservation of renal function remains a priority. The most popular treatment option is the selective renal artery embolization. Owing to its limited invasiveness, CRA could be an attractive option for the preventive treatment of AML.

Consequences of delay in screening, monitoring, and treatment of angiomyolipoma and tuberous sclerosis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multisystem disorder that results in tumor growth in various organs. TSC can affect the kidneys in the form of renal angiomyolipomas and cysts that can lead to chronic kidney disease.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 38-year-old woman was referred to Kennedy Krieger Institute for comprehensive TSC management. Before referral, the patient had gone most of her life without a definite diagnosis of TSC despite visually-prominent signs such as forehead plaques, facial angiofibromas, and ungual fibromas. Eventually, complications of the disease led to the patient requiring hemodialysis at age 34 and a complete bilateral nephrectomy at age 36. However, the patient was not diagnosed with TSC until an evaluation at the National Institutes of Health at age 37. After becoming a patient at our clinic, a multidisciplinary approach was taken to provide comprehensive care by including various disciplines such as nephrology, neurology, pulmonology, ophthalmology, dentistry, dermatology, and cardiology.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

TSC consensus recommendations aid in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of TSC and its associated manifestations, including those involving the kidneys. Our case underscores the importance of early identification of TSC to prevent future complications and promotes use of a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care.
.

Active surveillance for renal angiomyolipoma: outcomes and factors predictive of delayed intervention

OBJECTIVE

To present the outcomes of active surveillance (AS) for renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) and to assess the clinical features predicting delayed intervention of this treatment option.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of patients diagnosed with AMLs on computed tomography (CT) who were managed with AS at our institution. The AS protocol consisted of 6- and 12-month, then annual follow-up visits, each one including a physical examination and CT imaging. Discontinuation of AS was defined as the need or decision for an active procedure during the follow-up period. Causes of delayed intervention, as well as the type of active treatment (AT), were recorded. Clinical features at presentation of patients failing AS were compared with those who remained under AS at the time of the last follow-up. Predictive factors of delayed intervention were analysed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, 130 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 102 (78.5%) were incidentally diagnosed, while 15 (11.5%) and 13 patients (10%) presented with flank pain and haematuria, respectively. After a mean (sd) follow-up of 49 (40) months, 17 patients (13%) discontinued AS and underwent AT. Patients who underwent delayed intervention were more likely to present with a higher body mass index, larger tumours and symptomatic disease. Angioembolization represented the first-line AT after AS (64.7%), whereas partial nephrectomy was adopted in 29.4% of patients. On the univariate analysis, risk factors for delayed intervention included tumour size ≥4 cm, symptoms at diagnosis, and history of concomitant or contralateral kidney disease. On the multivariate analysis, only tumour size and symptoms remained independently associated with discontinuation of AS.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumour size and symptoms at initial presentation were highly predictive of discontinuation of AS in the management of AMLs. Selective angioembolization was the first-line option used for AT after AS was discontinued.

Everolimus in the treatment of subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, angiomyolipomas, and pulmonary and skin lesions associated with tuberous sclerosis complex

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by inactivating mutations in either the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. It is characterized by the development of multiple, benign tumors in several organs throughout the body. Lesions occur in the brain, kidneys, heart, liver, lungs, and skin and result in seizures and epilepsy, mental retardation, autism, and renal and pulmonary organ system dysfunction, as well as other complications. Elucidation of the molecular pathways and etiological factors responsible for causing TSC has led to a paradigm shift in the management and treatment of the disease. TSC1 or TSC2 mutations lead to constitutive upregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, which affects many cellular processes involved in tumor growth. By targeting mammalian target of rapamycin with everolimus, an orally active rapamycin derivative, clinically meaningful and statistically significant reductions in tumor burden have been achieved for the main brain (subependymal giant cell astrocytoma) and renal manifestations (angiomyolipoma) associated with TSC. This review provides an overview of TSC, everolimus, and the clinical trials that led to its approval for the treatment of TSC-associated subependymal giant cell astrocytoma and renal angiomyolipoma.