The prevalence of pica in tuberous sclerosis complex

BACKGROUND Pica and Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are rare disorders. We carried out a population survey of pica in our TSC patient population. FINDINGS Pica was identified in four percent of cases of TSC. It was associated with adult onset or persistence into adulthood, epilepsy, severe learning difficulties and anaemia. CONCLUSIONS Pica in TSC is a rare disorder and a coherent history may be difficult to obtain from patients. The prevalence of pica is likely to be underdiagnosed. Pica is a recognised feature in adults with TSC and prompt recognition of this disorder should allow better management of patients with TSC.