Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS) is an autosomal dominant condition caused by mutations in the gene which codes for folliculin (FLCN). It is characterised clinically by fibrofolliculomas, trichodiscomas, pulmonary cysts, spontaneous pneumothoraces and renal cancers. This case illustrates a patient with BHDS and a renal angiomyolipoma. Angiomyolipomas are not described as a feature of BHDS, but rather they can occur sporadically or in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Recent studies suggest that clinical similarities between BHDS and TSC may be explained by FLCN and TSC proteins functioning on a common pathway, mammalian target of rapamycin. This case adds to the literature of cases with clinical similarities.
© 2011 The Authors. Australasian Journal of Dermatology © 2011 The Australasian College of Dermatologists.