Fahr's Disease: A Case Report

Fahr's disease is a rare neuropsychiatric illness characterized by bilateral calcifications of the basal ganglia and white matter. Although its etiology is not yet fully understood, infectious, metabolic and genetic factors have been demonstrated in some cases. Movement disorders, together with dementia and psychiatric symptoms, may be observed as the clinical manifestations of Fahr's disease. In this case report, a 53-year-old male patient who had complaints of skepticism and nervousness was reported. His physical examination revealed signs of dementia. The serum ionized calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone levels were within normal limits. A computed tomography scan of the brain demonstrated bilateral calcifications. (Archives of Neuropsychiatry 2011; 48: 82-4)