Axial NCCT Brain:

• Extensive nearly symmetrical calcification of the bilateral basal ganglia – caudate, putamina, globus pallidus.
• Bilateral symmetrical calcification also seen involving thalami and dentate nuclei of cerebellum.

Secondary causes of basal ganglia calcification:

• Endocrinopathies (hypoparathyroidism, pseudo-hypoparathyroidism and pseudo-pseudo-hypoparathyroidism)
• Inherited causes like mitochondrial disorders
• CNS infections
• Vasculitis (SLE)
• CO poisoning
• Radiation

• Refer to neurologist.
• Steady progress of disease is seen – no specific treatment is currently beneficial.
• Further metabolic tests (if not done) – parathormone, calcium levels.
• In secondary causes (Fahr Syndrome), aim of treatment is to control underlying disorder

• Fahr disease is characterized by excessive calcium deposition in the basal ganglia structures, dentate nuclei and subcortical white matter.
• Diagnostic criteria include basal ganglia calcifications, absence of features suggesting mitochondrial or metabolic aetiology, family history, absence of trauma, infection, or toxins as an aetiology, progressive CNS dysfunction, presentation in the fourth or fifth decade of life.

Cite this article as:

Awal, S. S. (2023). Fahr Disease. Radiology Vibes | Online Learning Platform For Radiologists. Retrieved from https://radiologyvibes.com/case-details/1090

 

 

• Govindarajan, A. (2013). Imaging in Fahr’s disease: how CT and MRI differ? Case Reports, 2013(nov27 1), bcr2013201523–bcr2013201523. doi:10.1136/bcr-2013-201523 (https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2013-201523)