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Fahr disease

Case contributed by Derek Smith
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Known paranoid schizophrenia, worsening symptoms over months. Admitted due to persistent delusions, low mood and cognitive impairment. No known significant family history.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Male
ct

Coarse bilateral calcifications in region of globus pallidus.

No calcifications in cerebellum or cortex.

No acute intracranial abnormalities.

Case Discussion

Although basal ganglia (and specifically globus pallidus) calcification is a relatively common finding, given this patient's psychiatric background and subtle neurological findings (choreic gait) it was felt that Fahr syndrome was a likely diagnosis.

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