Fahr’s syndrome misdiagnosed as delusional disorder: A case report

Hurşitoğlu O., TUMAN T. C.

Noropsikiyatri Arsivi, vol.57, no.3, pp.254-256, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 57 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.29399/npa.24888
  • Journal Name: Noropsikiyatri Arsivi
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, EMBASE, Psycinfo, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.254-256
  • Keywords: Fahr's disease, delusional disorder, calcification, basal ganglia
  • Istanbul Medipol University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Fahr’s disease is a rare neurological disorder that is characterized by bilateral basal ganglia calcification. In the present study, a 49-year-old male patient presented with delusional beliefs. He had normal neurologic examination. Follow-up mental status examination and clinical findings revealed delusional disorder. After three weeks, the patient presented to the clinic with postural tremor in the hands, and gait difficulties. A cranial CT scan showed that he had bilateral basal ganglia, thalamus, and centrum semiovale calcifications. The case illustrates the importance of considering organic etiologies before diagnosing a patient, particularly one who has late-onset presentation of psychosis.