Fahr disease presenting with multiple cerebral calcifications

Abstract

Fahr disease, also known as idiopathic basal ganglion calcification, is a rare and genetically heterogeneous neurological disorder. Herein, we report a rare case of Fahr disease presenting with multiple cerebral calcifications. A 63-year-old woman presented with dizziness to a local clinic. Brain computed tomography performed on admission revealed multiple high-intensity lesions in both basal ganglia, both cerebellar hemispheres, and the left frontal lobe. In contrast, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no prominent lesions on T2- and T1-weighted images, and there was no contrast enhancement after gadolinium injection. However, multiple dark signals were detected on gradient echo MRI. The location and radiological appearance of the lesion resembled those of a physiological intracranial calcification, except for asymmetric calcification in both cerebellar hemispheres and the left frontal subcortical white matter. The patient was diagnosed with basal ganglion calcification with multiple cerebral cavernous malformations or, less likely, brain tumors. Through a careful radiological and clinical review, the calcifications were diagnosed as Fahr disease. Follow-up was planned. It is important to consider the presence of multiple intracranial calcifications in the basal ganglia, cerebellum, or deep subcortical white matter as a warning sign for Fahr disease.