Recurrent syncope and hypocalcaemic cardiomyopathy as manifestations of Fahr's syndrome

Arch Med Sci. 2010 Mar 1;6(1):117-21. doi: 10.5114/aoms.2010.13518. Epub 2010 Mar 9.

Abstract

In our report we would like to present a case of a 60-year-old patient with epileptic seizures, affective disturbances, only mild neurocognitive disorders and cardiomyopathy. A female patient was taken to the internal ward with a tentative diagnosis of recurrent syncope. Laboratory results disclosed severe hypocalcaemia, hypoparathyroidism, and hypothyroidism. An echocardiogram revealed left ventricle systolic dysfunction. Computed tomography revealed massive intracranial calcifications typical for Fahr's syndrome. Our patient demonstrated only mild neurological and psychiatric symptoms, but developed hypocalcaemic heart failure. It is possible that some cases of Fahr's syndrome remain undiscovered, particularly patients taken to internal wards with mild neurological or psychiatric signs.

Keywords: Fahr's syndrome; attacks of unconsciousness; cardiomyopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports