Cerebellar calcification

Previous autopsy studies have shown that cerebellar calcification is commoner in Queensland than elsewhere. Computed cranial tomography, which is more sensitive than skull radiography, has confirmed that cerebellar and basal ganglia calcification occur more commonly in patients examined in Queensland than in North America. Although no distinctive neurological syndrome could be demonstrated, the affected patients showed a high incidence of hypertension, hyperuricaemia and raised serum creatinine levels. There is evidence that cerebellar calcification is a marker of previous lead intoxication. Common occurrence of renal impairment in these patients may be due to associated lead nephropathy. Subclinical lead exposure is associated with hyperuricaemia.