Neuropsychological Alterations in Patients With Computed Tomography--Detected Basal Ganglia Calcification

Abstract

These results indicate that patients with basal ganglia calcifications frequently have a subcortical pattern of neuropsychological dysfunction and behavioral changes that are known to be associated with alterations of the frontal-limbic-basal ganglia circuits. The pattern of neuropsychological impairment is consistent with basal ganglia damage. However, poor performance in other neuropsychological tests suggest additional involvement of other connected networks.

FAHR SYNDROME: Three cases presenting with psychiatric signs

“…In this group, as neurologic signs, extrapyramidal syndromes, epileptic seizures and coma may be seen and cognitive disfunctions, mood disorders and psychotic symptoms may accompany the clinical picture . In a research it was reported that there is a close relationship between the depressive disorder and the basal ganglion calcification (18). Chiu and colleagues reported a case with a delusionel disorder and tardive diskinesia related to basal ganglia calcification (19).…”

Paranoid Delusions and Cognitive Impairment Suggesting Fahr’s Disease

“…However, López-Villegas at al. 7 studied 22 patients with basal ganglia calcification and found increased abnormal motor speed, executive function, visuospatial, and memory functions in patients with basal ganglia calcification; four had mood disorders and six others met diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder. López-Villegas et al concluded that "patients with basal ganglia calcifications frequently have a subcortical pattern of neuropsychological dysfunction and behavioral changes that are known to be associated with alterations of the frontal-limbic-basal ganglia circuits.…”

“…The pattern of neuropsychological impairment is consistent with basal ganglia damage." 7 Casanova and Araque 8 reviewed the literature on basal ganglia mineralization and found excessive mineral deposits to be associated with agedependent progressive symptoms, including dementia, psychosis, and extrapyramidal symptoms. In addition to the basal ganglia, the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum is also often involved, although the extent of mineralization of these two areas has been shown to be different.…”

Fahr’s syndrome and clinical correlation: a case series and literature review

“…Cases presenting with BSPDC and disturbed calcium metabolism were associated with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, pseudo-hypoparathyroidism, and postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Patients having parathyroid hormone deficiencies due to thyroidectomy showed more severe mental deterioration [41]. In the three cases reported in our study, the beginning of symptomatology was different and characterised by tremor, psychiatric disorders or movement disorders.…”

“…Nevertheless, all the symptoms may vary during the course of disease. Calcification extension and subarachnoid space dilatation correlate with the presence of psychiatric manifestations [41]. Other clinical findings in patients with BSPDC are cranio-cerebral trauma, [36].…”