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Aldawsari FM, Alotaibi TB, Hashim OS, Bu Hamad ZA, Eisaa MR, Alhumaidi AA, Alanazi SM, Alenezi FF, Batwie AA, Habib AA, Alismail SS, Almulhim OS, Al Amer AF, Alghamdi TA, Al-Hawaj F. Fahr Disease: A Rare Cause of First-Time Seizure in the Emergency Department. Cureus 2021; 13:e19965. [PMID: 34984125 PMCID: PMC8713734 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Seizure is a common neurological problem in the emergency department. First-time seizure needs careful evaluation to exclude the underlying structural brain lesions. Neuroimaging studies, including magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan, are strongly recommended for all adult patients with first-time seizures. We report the case of a 35-year-old woman who was brought to the emergency department because of the first-time loss of consciousness episode. She developed bilateral jerky movements in both her upper and lower limbs. It was associated with frothy secretions from the mouth and cyanosis. The episode lasted for two minutes and terminated spontaneously. The patient was tired after gaining consciousness. The past medical history of the patient was remarkable for anxiety, depression, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. She has undergone multiple cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, but she did not take any psychiatric medications. Neurological examination did not reveal any focal neurological deficit. The patient underwent a computed tomography scan to exclude any space-occupying lesion. The unenhanced scan demonstrated bilateral symmetrical calcification of the basal ganglia. No calcification was noted in the cerebellum or the cerebral cortex. Otherwise, no intracranial pathology was seen. Such findings conferred the diagnosis of Fahr disease. The patient was discharged on carbamazepine to prevent further seizure episodes. After six months of follow-up, the patient did not experience further convulsion episodes. Fahr disease is a rare disorder with a wide spectrum of manifestations. Despite its rarity, physicians should keep this condition as a possible differential diagnosis when they encounter an adult patient with a first-time seizure, particularly in a patient with a history of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Omran S Hashim
- National Guard Health Affairs, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Medina, SAU
| | | | - Maha R Eisaa
- Medicine, Sulaiman Al Rajhi University, Qassim, SAU
| | | | | | - Fahad F Alenezi
- Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, JOR
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Faisal Al-Hawaj
- Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, SAU
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Donzuso G, Mostile G, Nicoletti A, Zappia M. Basal ganglia calcifications (Fahr's syndrome): related conditions and clinical features. Neurol Sci 2019; 40:2251-2263. [PMID: 31267306 PMCID: PMC6817747 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-019-03998-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Basal ganglia calcifications could be incidental findings up to 20% of asymptomatic patients undergoing CT or MRI scan. The presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with bilateral basal ganglia calcifications (which could occur in other peculiar brain structures, such as dentate nuclei) identifies a clinical picture defined as Fahr's Disease. This denomination mainly refers to idiopathic forms in which no metabolic or other underlying causes are identified. Recently, mutations in four different genes (SLC20A2, PDGFRB, PDGFB, and XPR1) were identified, together with novel mutations in the Myogenic Regulating Glycosylase gene, causing the occurrence of movement disorders, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms. On the other hand, secondary forms, also identified as Fahr's syndrome, have been associated with different conditions: endocrine abnormalities of PTH, such as hypoparathyroidism, other genetically determined conditions, brain infections, or toxic exposure. The underlying pathophysiology seems to be related to an abnormal calcium/phosphorus homeostasis and transportation and alteration of the blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Donzuso
- Department "GF Ingrassia", Section Neuroscience, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mostile
- Department "GF Ingrassia", Section Neuroscience, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandra Nicoletti
- Department "GF Ingrassia", Section Neuroscience, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Zappia
- Department "GF Ingrassia", Section Neuroscience, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
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Yalcin A, Ceylan M, Bayraktutan OF, Sonkaya AR, Yuce I. Age and gender related prevalence of intracranial calcifications in CT imaging; data from 12,000 healthy subjects. J Chem Neuroanat 2016; 78:20-24. [PMID: 27475519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Location and extent of intracranial calcifications have been detected accurately with the use of CT technology and since, many clinical or pathological entities have been linked to these calcifications. Our purpose is to provide data regarding the prevalence of calcifications in various locations in brain. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively examined 11,941 subjects who underwent non-contrast enhanced brain CT examination. We determined the prevalence of choroid plexus, pineal gland, habenula, dura mater, basal ganglia and vascular calcifications. RESULTS Of 11,941 subjects, 70.2% had choroid plexus calcifications. Calcifications were most frequently seen in pineal gland and 71.6% of the study population had pineal calcifications. Habeluna and dural calcifications were present in 19.2% and 12.5% of the population respectively. Basal ganglia calcifications and vascular calcifications only constituted 1.3% and 3.5% of the study population respectively. Male dominance was present in all calcification types except basal ganglia calcifications. CONCLUSIONS Showing associations and dissociations from the literature, our study provides a baseline data regarding the prevalence of various types of intracranial calcifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Yalcin
- Section of Radiology, Regional Education and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Ceylan
- Section of Neurology, Regional Education and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
| | | | - Ali Rıza Sonkaya
- Section of Neurology, Mareşal Çakmak Military Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ihsan Yuce
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
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Erdem H, Senbayrak S, Meriç K, Batirel A, Karahocagil MK, Hasbun R, Sengoz G, Karsen H, Kaya S, Inal AS, Pekok AU, Celen MK, Deniz S, Ulug M, Demirdal T, Namiduru M, Tekin R, Guven T, Parlak E, Bolukcu S, Avci M, Sipahi OR, Ozturk-Engin D, Yaşar K, Pehlivanoglu F, Yilmaz E, Ates-Guler S, Mutlu-Yilmaz E, Tosun S, Sirmatel F, Sahin-Horasan E, Akbulut A, Oztoprak N, Cag Y, Kadanali A, Turgut H, Baran AI, Gul HC, Sunnetcioglu M, Haykir-Solay A, Denk A, Inan A, Ayaz C, Ulcay A, Kose S, Agalar C, Elaldi N. Cranial imaging findings in neurobrucellosis: results of Istanbul-3 study. Infection 2016; 44:623-31. [PMID: 27138335 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-016-0901-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neuroimaging abnormalities in central nervous system (CNS) brucellosis are not well documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of imaging abnormalities in neurobrucellosis and to identify factors associated with leptomeningeal and basal enhancement, which frequently results in unfavorable outcomes. METHODS Istanbul-3 study evaluated 263 adult patients with CNS brucellosis from 26 referral centers and reviewed their 242 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 226 computerized tomography (CT) scans of the brain. RESULTS A normal CT or MRI scan was seen in 143 of 263 patients (54.3 %). Abnormal imaging findings were grouped into the following four categories: (a) inflammatory findings: leptomeningeal involvements (44), basal meningeal enhancements (30), cranial nerve involvements (14), spinal nerve roots enhancement (8), brain abscesses (7), granulomas (6), and arachnoiditis (4). (b) White-matter involvement: white-matter involvement (32) with or without demyelinating lesions (7). (c) Vascular involvement: vascular involvement (42) mostly with chronic cerebral ischemic changes (37). (d) Hydrocephalus/cerebral edema: hydrocephalus (20) and brain edema (40). On multivariate logistic regression analysis duration of symptoms since the onset (OR 1.007; 95 % CI 1-28, p = 0.01), polyneuropathy and radiculopathy (OR 5.4; 95 % CI 1.002-1.013, p = 0.044), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum glucose rate (OR 0.001; 95 % CI 000-0.067, p = 0.001), and CSF protein (OR 2.5; 95 % CI 2.3-2.7, p = 0.0001) were associated with diffuse inflammation. CONCLUSIONS In this study, 45 % of neurobrucellosis patients had abnormal neuroimaging findings. The duration of symptoms, polyneuropathy and radiculopathy, high CSF protein level, and low CSF/serum glucose rate were associated with inflammatory findings on imaging analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Erdem
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Gulhane Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Seniha Senbayrak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kaan Meriç
- Department of Radiology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Batirel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Yuzuncuyil University School of Medicine, Van, Turkey
| | - Rodrigo Hasbun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
| | - Gonul Sengoz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasan Karsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Harran University, School of Medicine, Sanliurfa, Turkey
| | - Selçuk Kaya
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Karadeniz Technical University School of Medicine, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Seza Inal
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Cukurova University School of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Umut Pekok
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Private Erzurum Sifa Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Kemal Celen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Dicle University School of Medicine, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Secil Deniz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ulug
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Private Umit Hospital, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Tuna Demirdal
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Katip Celebi University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Namiduru
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Gaziantep University School of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Recep Tekin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Dicle University School of Medicine, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Tumer Guven
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Ankara Atatürk Training & Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emine Parlak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Ataturk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Sibel Bolukcu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Bezmi Alem Vakif University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meltem Avci
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Oguz Reşat Sipahi
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Bezmi Alem Vakif University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Derya Ozturk-Engin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kadriye Yaşar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Bakırkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Filiz Pehlivanoglu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emel Yilmaz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Uludag University School of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Selma Ates-Guler
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sutcu Imam University School of Medicine, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Esmeray Mutlu-Yilmaz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Selma Tosun
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Fatma Sirmatel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izzet Baysal University School of Medicine, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Elif Sahin-Horasan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Mersin University School of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ayhan Akbulut
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Firat University School of Medicine, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Nefise Oztoprak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Cag
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Medeniyet University, Goztepe Training ad Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayten Kadanali
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Turgut
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Pamukkale University School of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Ali Irfan Baran
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Yuzuncuyil University School of Medicine, Van, Turkey
| | - Hanefi Cem Gul
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mahmut Sunnetcioglu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Yuzuncuyil University School of Medicine, Van, Turkey
| | - Asli Haykir-Solay
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Igdir State Hospital, Igdir, Turkey
| | - Affan Denk
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Firat University School of Medicine, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Asuman Inan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Celal Ayaz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Dicle University School of Medicine, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Asim Ulcay
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sukran Kose
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Canan Agalar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nazif Elaldi
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey
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Saleem S, Aslam HM, Anwar M, Anwar S, Saleem M, Saleem A, Rehmani MAK. Fahr's syndrome: literature review of current evidence. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2013; 8:156. [PMID: 24098952 PMCID: PMC3853434 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-8-156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fahr’s disease or Fahr’s syndrome is a rare, neurological disorder characterized by abnormal calcified deposits in basal ganglia and cerebral cortex. Calcified deposits are made up of calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate, and are commonly located in the Basal Ganglia, Thalamus, Hippocampus, Cerebral cortex, Cerebellar Subcortical white matter and Dentate Nucleus. Molecular genetics of this disease haven’t been studied extensively; hence evidence at the molecular and genetic level is limited. Fahr’s disease commonly affects young to middle aged adults. Etiology of this syndrome does not identify a specific agent but associations with a number of conditions have been noted; most common of which are endocrine disorders, mitochondrial myopathies, dermatological abnormalities and infectious diseases. Clinical manifestations of this disease incorporate a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from neurological symptoms of extrapyramidal system to neuropsychiatric abnormalities of memory and concentration to movement disorders including Parkinsonism, chorea and tremors amongst others. Diagnostic criteria for this disease has been formulated after modifications from previous evidence and can be stated briefly, it consist of bilateral calcification of basal ganglia, progressive neurologic dysfunction, absence of biochemical abnormalities, absence of an infectious, traumatic or toxic cause and a significant family history. Imaging modalities for the diagnosis include CT, MRI, and plain radiography of skull. Other investigations include blood and urine testing for hematologic and biochemical indices. Disease is as yet incurable but management and treatment strategies mainly focus on symptomatic relief and eradication of causative factors; however certain evidence is present to suggest that early diagnosis and treatment can reverse the calcification process leading to complete recovery of mental functions. Families with a known history of Fahr’s disease should be counseled prior to conception so that the birth of affected babies can be prevented. This review was written with the aim to remark on the current substantial evidence surrounding this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafaq Saleem
- Department of Medicine, Dow Medical College, DUHS, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
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