Clinical Medicine Insights: Case Reports (May 2023)

Fahr’s Syndrome Secondary to Primary Hypoparathyroidism Presenting With Seizures and the Role of Steroid Therapy

  • Syed Yasir Shah,
  • Faiza Amatul Hadi,
  • Muhammad Idrees,
  • Yaxel Levin-Carrion,
  • Harshawardhan Pande,
  • Melysze Deanne Oorloff,
  • Qaisar Ali Khan,
  • Adithya Nadella

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/11795476231178119
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16

Abstract

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Background: Fahr’s syndrome a rare neurological condition characterized by an abnormal basal ganglia calcification. The condition has both genetic and metabolic causes. Here, we describe a patient who had Fahr’s syndrome and basal secondary to hypoparathyroidism, and her calcium level raised after the administration of steroid therapy. Case report: We presented a case of a 23-year-old female with seizures. Associated symptoms included headache, vertigo, disturbed sleep, and reduced appetite. Her laboratory workup revealed hypocalcemia and low parathyroid hormone level, computed tomographic (CT) scan of the brain showed diffuse calcification in the brain parenchyma. The patient was diagnosed as a case of Fahr’s syndrome secondary to hypoparathyroidism. The patient was started on calcium and calcium supplementations along with anti-seizure therapy. Her calcium level raised after the initiation of oral prednisolone and she remained asymptomatic. Conclusion: Steroid could be considered as an adjunct therapy with calcium and vitamin D supplementation in patient whose Fahr’s syndrome is secondary to primary hypoparathyroidism.