Objective: The aim of this study is to compare diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging values of deep gray matter structures in children diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex with a control group.

Materials and Methods: Between January 2015 and December 2020, 14 pediatric patients (8 boys, 6 girls; mean age 9.50±4.16) diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex who underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and 28 age and sex-matched control patients were retrospectively analyzed. Apparent diffusion coefficient values were measured by placing symmetric circular region of interest on bilateral thalamus and basal ganglia.

Results: A significant increase was found in the apparent diffusion coefficient values in the bilateral nucleus caudate compared to the control group in patients diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Affecting possible deep gray matter structures in these patients may explain the physiopathology for current clinical findings and neurological disorders that may develop.