Secondary Fahr’s Disease: A Consequence of Post-Thyroidectomy Hypoparathyroidism

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.

Keywords

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