[Clinical, endocrinological, and computerized tomography scans for symmetrical calcification of the basal ganglia...

Symmetrical calcification of the basal ganglia was found in 2% of 8000 computerized tomography (CT) scans. Of 19 cases, only 2 were detectable on conventional skull films. The less prominent calcifications were most often found in the region of the pallidum, the knee of the internal capsule. Also, the lesions were generally symmetrical. Thus these factors must be considered basic morphological characteristics of the pathophysiological process. Additional neurological disorders were present in 6 patients. Neurological symptoms in the remaining 13, when present, depended on the extent of the lesion. The most common finding was tremor, although disturbances of fine motor control, transient lateralizing signs, and seizures were also noted. No particular constellation of symptoms or signs permitted accurate clinical localization of the lesions. The patients could be divided into three groups on the basis of clinical findings: (1) young people with marked cerebral calcinosis ('idiopathic' calcification of basal ganglia), (2) patients with hypoparathyroidism, and (3) older patients with relatively little calcification. Most patients with calcific lesions will be included in the third group. Any calcification of basal ganglia detected by CT scans demands careful evaluation of calcium metabolism.