Authors: Mahdi Alabdullah , Zahra Hadhiah , Ali Al Muhaif , Wael Alanazi , Fatimah Al Matter , Moahmmed Alshummari

Abstract

Background: Fahr disease and Fahr syndrome are two clinical conditions that are related by clinical and radiological findings. They are characterized by the incidental finding of progressive bilateral calcium deposits in various brain regions. Patients may present with a wide spectrum of symptoms. Treatment is individualized and is based on the patient’s symptoms.

Case presentation: This is a case series of three patients presenting with neurological symptoms and Fahr syndrome secondary to hypoparathyroidism who were admitted to the hospital and managed symptomatically. The first patient is a 22-year-old female, known case of hypoparathyroidism, who presented with headache, numbness, and dizziness. She was found to have hypocalcemia, and head computed tomography showed bilateral symmetrical dense calcifications. The patient was managed with intravenous calcium during admission and discharged on oral calcium supplementation. The second patient is a 37-year-old female who presented with abnormal body movements, with findings of Fahr disease on head computed tomography. The patient was treated with intravenous calcium during admission and was discharged with close follow-up. The third patient is a 39-year-old female, known case of Fahr syndrome, who presented with headache, dizziness, and a fall. She was found to have severe hypocalcemia and was admitted to the intensive care unit for calcium replacement and monitoring.

Keywords: Fahr syndrome, hypoparathyroidism, hypocalcemia, basal ganglia calcification.