A FAHR’S DISEASE CASE PRESENTING WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract

Aims: Fahr’s disease is characterized by a bilateral striopallidodentate calcinosis, related to various neurologic and psychiatric disorders. It is a rare disease which can occur both sporadically or hereditarily. While the clinical symptoms related to calcifications include parkinsonism, dystonia, tremor, chorea, ataxia, dementia and mood disorders, some asymptomatic cases have also been reported. With this study, an overall view of Fahr’s disease is aimed, by investigating the 65-year-old patient considering her clinical, endocrinological and radiologic aspects, also utilizing the available literature Case report: A 65-year-old female patient with a six-year history of forgetfullness and 3-months history of walking difficulty, unbalance and general reduction of spontaneous movement complaints was hospitalized with parkinsonism pre-diagnosis. Laboratory results indicated primary hyperparathyroidism. CT scans also revealed diffuse bilateral intracranial calcifications. The diagnosis of Fahr’s disease was confirmed after clinical investigations and exclusion of other diseases which cause intracranial calcifications. Conclusion: This case implies the importance of keeping Fahr’s disease in consideration in cases with primary degenerative dementia in the foreground and indistinct motor dysfunctions adding subtly to the symptoms, and manifestation of hypocalcaemia.

Keywords

• Fahr’s disease, intracranial calcification, hyperparathyroidism, Parkinson’d disease, dementia