Research Article

Neuropsychiatric Manifestations Indicative of Fahr's Syndrome Secondary to Hypoparathyroidism after Total Thyroidectomy

Authors: Tall CT, Fall AK, Ndiaye M, Gning SB.

DOI: 10.33425/2771-5906.1032

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Abstract

Introduction: Fahr's syndrome is defined by the existence of cerebral calcifications affecting the basal ganglia. Clinical manifestations are variable, dominated by tetany attacks and severe neuropsychiatric manifestations.

Clinical Case: We report the case of a 36-year-old female patient transferred to internal medicine for management of behavioural disorders associated with confusional syndrome and cognitive impairment, without fever. Her history included a total thyroidectomy in 2009. A phosphocalcic work-up and an intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay revealed hypoparathyroidism marked by severe hypocalcaemia. Cerebral computed tomography (CT) revealed calcifications in the caudate and lenticular nuclei. The diagnosis of Fahr's syndrome secondary to post-total thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism was therefore accepted in view of these anamnestic, clinical, biological and radiological argu ments.

Conclusion: Fahr's syndrome is a rare neurological disease, characterised by severe non-specific symptoms and a simple and effective treatment, particularly in the context of total thyroidectomy.

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