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"Idiopathic" cerebellar calcifications: association with hypothyroidism?
J W Burke1, B R Williamson, R W Hurst
1Department of Radiology, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville 22908.
Radiology
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Unexplained intracerebellar calcifications found on computed tomographic (CT) scans were surprisingly associated with hypothyroidism in two-thirds of patients. This uncommon CT finding may suggest hypothyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Radiology
Background:
- Intracerebellar calcifications are an uncommon finding on computed tomographic (CT) examinations.
- The etiology of unexplained intracerebellar calcifications can be challenging to determine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential associations with unexplained intracerebellar calcifications.
- To determine if hypothyroidism is linked to this radiological finding.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of computed tomographic (CT) examinations over a 3-year period.
- Identification of patients with unexplained intracerebellar calcifications.
- Assessment for the presence of hypothyroidism in identified patients.
Main Results:
- Six patients were identified with unexplained intracerebellar calcifications.
- Two-thirds of these patients were diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
- A high association between intracerebellar calcifications and hypothyroidism was observed.
Conclusions:
- Unexplained intracerebellar calcifications identified on CT scans may be an indicator of hypothyroidism.
- Further investigation into endocrine disorders is warranted in patients presenting with this finding.