[A cause of intracerebral calcifications that should be known: pseudohypoparathyroidism Ib]

P Faissolle1, K Wagner-Mahler, J-C Mas

  • 1Service de pédiatrie, hôpital l'Archet II, route Saint-Antoine-de-Ginestière, 06200 Nice, France. pfaissolle@free.fr

Insights

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) in children causes basal ganglia calcifications and hypocalcemia. Early diagnosis is crucial when calcifications are found on CT scans.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neurology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by resistance to parathormone (PTH).
  • It commonly presents with hypocalcemia, which can be symptomatic, and is a known cause of basal ganglia calcifications in children.

Observation:

  • A 13-year-old boy presented with hypocalcemia and seizures, indicative of PHP.
  • Cerebral CT scan revealed calcifications in the basal ganglia.

Findings:

  • The case highlights type Ib PHP as a cause of basal ganglia calcifications and seizures in a pediatric patient.
  • This underscores the importance of considering PHP in the differential diagnosis of basal ganglia calcifications.

Implications:

  • Emphasizes the need for prompt investigation of basal ganglia calcifications on CT scans to identify potential cases of PHP.
  • Early diagnosis and management of PHP can prevent severe complications associated with hypocalcemia and neurological manifestations.

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