Secondary Fahr’s Disease: A Consequence of Post-Thyroidectomy Hypoparathyroidism
  • Najia Mahmood
    Rawalpindi Medical University and Allied Hospitals, Department of Medicine, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Jahanzaib Hamid
    Rawalpindi Medical University and Allied Hospitals, Department of Medicine, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Faramarz Khan
    Rawalpindi Medical University and Allied Hospitals, Department of Medicine, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Khurram
    Rawalpindi Medical University and Allied Hospitals, Department of Medicine, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Mubashar Alam
    Rawalpindi Medical University and Allied Hospitals, Department of Medicine, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Keywords

Fahr’s disease, CT scan brain, hypoparathyroidism, thyroidectomy, basal ganglia

Abstract

Objective:The objective of this case report is to emphasize the importance of considering uncommon conditions like Fahr’s disease in the differential diagnosis of seizures and cognitive impairment, especially in patients with a history of thyroidectomy.
Materials and Methods: A 56-year-old woman who had undergone subtotal thyroidectomy 25 years previously presented with movement disorder and cognitive impairment secondary to hypoparathyroidism. A CT scan of the brain showed pathognomonic bilateral calcification in the basal ganglia, thalamus and cerebellar nuclei.
Result: The patient was diagnosed with Fahr’s disease caused by post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism and successfully managed with oral calcium, carbidopa/levodopa and haloperidol.
Conclusion: We recommend the routine use of CT scanning in the long-term follow-up of post-thyroidectomy patients.

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    Published: 2019-06-04
    Issue: Vol 6 No 6 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Mahmood N, Hamid J, Khan F, Khurram M, Alam M. Secondary Fahr’s Disease: A Consequence of Post-Thyroidectomy Hypoparathyroidism. EJCRIM 2019;6 doi:10.12890/2019_001109.