Calcification of the basal ganglia on computed tomography

A review of computed tomograms (CT) of 7,120 patients demonstrated bilateral basal ganglia calcifications in 17. Skull roentgenograms were normal in all patients. Seven patients (41%) were older than 50 years of age with no basal ganglia dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities. Therefore it was thought that they may represent the senescent calcification. The second largest group was idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. These five patients (29%) were 16 to 32 years of age, had convulsive seizures and widespread calcifications. The other five patients had various symptomatology. Hypoparathyroidism should be investigated in young patients, if they have convulsive seizures and widespread basal ganglia calcifications on CT.