Basal ganglia calcification due to hypoparathyroidism

Introduction Hypoparathyroidism is decreased function of the parathyroid glands with underproduction of parathyroid hormone. This can lead to low levels of calcium in the blood. Chronic hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia can lead over the years to soft tissue calcifications. These calcifications are typically seen in the brain (basal ganglia in particular) and in the kidney (stones and nephrocalcinosis).Case Report The patient was a 52-year-old woman who visited the hospital for aphasia and right hand monoplegia. She had a history of DM, HTN and HLP. At first she hospitalized by diagnosis of CVA. During our work ups, her brain CT showed bilateral calcification of basal ganglia. ,Q SDWLHQWʼs follow ups, we performed an x- ray from her right hand due to her persistent pain in her hand, which showed cortical thickening of long bones. By these findings we requested some lab tests so we could evaluate the Ca metabolism. The lab tests indicated low levels of PTH( 13.6), normal Ca level and upper limit of normal range for P. Ultimately, evaluation of Ca-P-PTH profile showed hypoparathyroidism and an appropriate treatment started for her.Conclusion Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of complications from hypoparathyroidism. Complications due to low calcium levels may still occur, but they can be improved with treatment. Because hypoparathyroidism is a chronic condition, the patient will need to maintain treatments and dietary changes throughout her life. Most people can keep their symptoms under control with proper long-term treatment.

کلیدواژه ها:

hypoparathyroidism ، calcification ، basal ganglia