Choreiform movements and basal ganglia calcification as a presentation of Fahr's disease

Basal ganglia calcifications may be a radiological finding in approximately 20% of the general population. When they are associated with neuropsychiatric and motor symptoms in an idiopathic form, they are known as Fahr's disease. They are termed "Fahr's syndrome" when they are secondary to an identifiable and potentially treatable cause. In this report, we present the clinical case of a 69-year-old woman with the onset of subacute chorea, with no other associated symptoms, in whom extensive basal ganglia calcifications were found on neuroimaging, due to which metabolic disorders were subsequently ruled out. The objective is to contribute to the characterization of the potential motor manifestations which would give rise to clinical suspicion. Due to its low incidence and the little information on this condition in the region, we want to encourage documentation of other cases and the process for ruling out other differential diagnoses, in order to obtain more information on its actual epidemiology and signs and symptoms in Colombia. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2635).

The Role of Vitamin D in Basal Ganglia Diseases.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D (VitD) has been shown to influence several cellular processes in the brain. The extent to which VitD plays a role in the pathomechanism of neuronal loss and dysfunction in basal ganglia diseases (BGDs) is still debated. There is yet to be a comprehensive study that provides an overview of all of the most relevant BGDs. METHODS: PubMed, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for observational studies that investigated the association between serum VitD levels and BGDs up to March 2022. RESULTS: We extracted 60 studies, but with a great variety of design and quality. VitD deficiency appears to be common in most BGDs, but only in Parkinson's disease (PD) has a causal association been fully examined. There is some evidence that low VitD serum levels influence symptom severity, most notably in restless legs syndrome (RLS), PD, and tic disorders. The effects of vitamin D supplementation were studied in three BGDs, with results mostly favorable for RLS, ambiguous for tics, and mostly unfavorable for PD. CONCLUSIONS: There are still various elements of BGDs with insufficient, ambiguous, or altogether absent evidence, and further high-quality research is required. However, there appears to be sufficient scientific justification already to recommend that practitioners treating BGDs check serum VitD levels and supplement as appropriate.

Movement Disorders in Brazil: the seminal contributions of Luiz Augusto Franco de Andrade and Egberto Reis Barbosa / Distúrbios dos Movimentos no Brasil: as contribuições exponenciais de Luiz Augusto Franco de Andrade e Egberto Reis Barbosa

ABSTRACT The major advances in the area of movement disorders in Brazil in recent years were driven by the work of Luiz Augusto Franco de Andrade and Egberto Reis Barbosa. This historical review describes the contributions made by these researchers, physicians, and educators to the development of this field in Brazil.

RESUMO Os maiores avanços observados na área de distúrbios do movimento nos últimos anos no Brasil teve como fator catalizador a atuação exponencial dos professores Luiz Augusto Franco de Andrade e Egberto Reis Barbosa. Esta revisão histórica enfatizou as contribuições desses pesquisadores, médicos e professores para o desenvolvimento da área no Brasil.

Enfermedad de Wilson: experiencia de un centro de referencia en Colombia / Wilson's disease: Experience of a reference center in Colombia

Resumen Introducción: la enfermedad de Wilson es una enfermedad heterogénea causada por mutaciones en el gen ATP7B. La presentación clínica es variable, en fenotipos hepáticos y neuropsiquiátricos. El objetivo de este estudio es describir una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes. Materiales y métodos: estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de pacientes atendidos en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe desde enero de 2004 a septiembre de 2017. Resultados: se reportaron 27 pacientes, 17 hombres y 10 mujeres. El tiempo de seguimiento medio fue de 2,18 años, el 40% presentó síntomas neurológicos; el 29%, psiquiátricos; y el 85%, alteración hepática. En el laboratorio, el 85% presentó ceruloplasmina baja; 55%, cobre urinario alto; en casos con biopsia hepática, 7 tenían depósito de cobre en coloraciones especiales. En neuroimágenes, el 84% presentó hallazgos sugestivos de enfermedad de Wilson y en 3 casos se documentó una mutación genética patogénica. Durante el seguimiento, el 51% mejoró clínica o bioquímicamente, el 11% se mantuvo estable y el 18% se deterioró. El 88% de los casos sobrevivió al final del seguimiento. Conclusiones: este estudio es la cohorte retrospectiva más grande de Colombia. Los resultados son base para nuevos estudios poblacionales buscando de manera activa la enfermedad para documentarla en su fase preclínica y, de este modo, impactar en el pronóstico.

Abstract Introduction: Wilson's disease is a heterogeneous disorder caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene. Its clinical presentation is variable in hepatic and neuropsychiatric phenotypes. The aim of this study is to describe a retrospective cohort of patients. Materials and methods: A descriptive retrospective study was carried out in patients treated at the Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe from January 2004 to September 2017. Results: 27 patients were reported, 17 men and 10 women. The mean follow-up time was 2.18 years. 40% of the patients had neurological symptoms, 29% psychiatric symptoms, and 85% hepatic impairment. Lab tests showed that 85% had low ceruloplasmin and 55% had increased urinary copper. In cases that underwent liver biopsy, 7 had special copper colorations. Neuroimaging revealed that 84% had findings suggestive of Wilson's disease and a pathogenic genetic mutation was documented in 3 cases. During follow-up, 51% improved clinically or biochemically, 11% remained stable, and 18% deteriorated. 88% of cases survived at the end of follow-up. Conclusions: This study is the largest retrospective cohort carried out in Colombia. The results are the basis for new population-based studies actively seeking this disease to describe its preclinical development and thus impact prognosis.

Jules Bernard Luys: from a description of the subthalamic nucleus to hypnotism / Jules Bernard Luys: da descrição do núcleo subtalâmico ao hipnotismo

ABSTRACT The authors review the role of Jules Bernard Luys in the discovery of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) over 150 years ago. The relationships between the STN and movement disorders, particularly hemiballismus and Parkinson's disease, are well known. The academic life of Jules Bernard Luys can be divided into two periods: a brilliant start as a neuroanatomist, culminating in the discovery of the STN, followed by a second period marked by a shift in his academic activity and an increased interest in topics such as hysteria, hypnotism and, eventually, esotericism.

RESUMO Os autores revisam o papel de Jules Bernard Luys na descoberta do núcleo subtalâmico (NST) há mais de 150 anos. As relações da NST com distúrbios do movimento, em particular o hemibalismo e a doença de Parkinson, são bem conhecidas. A vida acadêmica de Jules Bernard Luys pode ser dividida em duas fases: a primeira, um brilhante começo de sua carreira como neuroanatomista, culminando na descoberta do NST, seguido por um segundo período marcado por uma mudança em sua atividade acadêmica, e maior interesse em tópicos como histeria, hipnotismo e finalmente esoterismo.

Systematic Review Looking at the Use of Technology to Measure Free-Living Symptom and Activity Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease in the Home or a Home-like Environment.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of new technologies measuring outcomes in Parkinson's disease (PD) to complement the existing clinical rating scales has introduced the possibility of measurement occurring in patients' own homes whilst they freely live and carry out normal day-to-day activities. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review seeks to provide an overview of what technology is being used to test which outcomes in PD from free-living participant activity in the setting of the home environment. Additionally, this review seeks to form an impression of the nature of validation and clinimetric testing carried out on the technological device(s) being used. METHODS: Five databases (Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Cochrane and Web of Science) were systematically searched for papers dating from 2000. Study eligibility criteria included: adults with a PD diagnosis; the use of technology; the setting of a home or home-like environment; outcomes measuring any motor and non-motor aspect relevant to PD, as well as activities of daily living; unrestricted/unscripted activities undertaken by participants. RESULTS: 65 studies were selected for data extraction. There were wide varieties of participant sample sizes (<10 up to hundreds) and study durations (<2 weeks up to a year). The metrics evaluated by technology, largely using inertial measurement units in wearable devices, included gait, tremor, physical activity, bradykinesia, dyskinesia and motor fluctuations, posture, falls, typing, sleep and activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based free-living testing in PD is being conducted by multiple groups with diverse approaches, focussing mainly on motor symptoms and sleep.

[Acute Generalized Chorea, Dystonia and Brain Calcifications: A Case Report]. / Coreia Aguda Generalizada, Distonia e Calcificações Cerebrais: A Propósito de um Caso Clínico.

Pathological basal ganglia calcification, or Fahr's Syndrome, can be secondary to a variety of diseases, namely parathyroid disturbances. Movement disorders are common clinical features, in which chorea is seen in less than 20% of cases and dystonia just in 8%. We report the clinical case of a 49-year-old male with a history of thyroidectomy, who was admitted in Emergency Service with acute generalized chorea and focal painful feet dystonia. Laboratory analysis showed hypocalcemia and rhabdomyolysis, and computed tomography scan revealed parenchymal calcification with basal ganglia involvement. After complementary studies we established a Fahr's Syndrome diagnosis secondary to an iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism. Clinical management has been successful with stabilized calcium levels, with no more neurologic symptoms. Hypocalcemia should be readily investigated and treated after a thyroidectomy, given the irreversibility of intracerebral calcifications and potential neurological or systemic consequences.

A calcificação dos núcleos da base, ou síndrome de Fahr, pode ser secundária a variadas doenças, nomeadamente as que cursam com envolvimento da paratiróide. Distúrbios do movimento são achados clínicos comuns, mas a coreia é observada em menos de 20% dos casos e a distonia apenas em 8%. Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 49 anos com antecedentes de tiroidectomia, admitido no serviço de urgência com coreia aguda generalizada e distonia focal dolorosa dos pés, cujo estudo laboratorial revelava hipocalcémia e rabdomiólise e a tomografia computorizada crânio-encefálica mostrava calcificações parenquimatosas extensas com envolvimento dos núcleos da base. A alargada investigação complementar permitiu fazer o diagnóstico de síndrome de Fahr secundária a hipoparatiroidismo iatrogénico. Após estabilização da calcémia, a evolução clínica foi favorável com resolução dos sintomasneurológicos. A hipocalcémia deve ser investigada e corrigida depois de tiroidectomias, dada a irreversibilidade das calcificações intracerebrais e as potenciais consequências neurológicas e sistémicas.

Apathy Is Related to Cognitive Control and Striatum Volumes in Prodromal Huntington's Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Apathy is a debilitating symptom of Huntington's disease (HD) and manifests before motor diagnosis, making it an excellent therapeutic target in the preclinical phase of Huntington's disease (prHD). HD is a neurological genetic disorder characterized by cognitive and motor impairment, and psychiatric abnormalities. Apathy is not well characterized within the prHD. In previous literature, damage to the caudate and putamen has been correlated with increased apathy in other neurodegenerative and movement disorders. The objective of this study was to determine whether apathy severity in individuals with prHD is related to striatum volumes and cognitive control. We hypothesized that, within prHD individuals, striatum volumes and cognitive control scores would be related to apathy. METHODS: We constructed linear mixed models to analyze striatum volumes and cognitive control, a composite measure that includes tasks assessing with apathy scores from 797 prHD participants. The outcome variable for each model was apathy, and the independent variables for the four separate models were caudate volume, putamen volume, cognitive control score, and motor symptom score. We also included depression as a covariate to ensure that our results were not solely related to mood. RESULTS: Caudate and putamen volumes, as well as measures of cognitive control, were significantly related to apathy scores even after controlling for depression. CONCLUSIONS: The behavioral apathy expressed by these individuals was related to regions of the brain commonly associated with isolated apathy, and not a direct result of mood symptoms. (JINS, 2019, 25, 462-469).

Serum calcium and other test results in 17 patients with primary familial brain calcification / 中国医师杂志

Objective@#To investigate the correlation between Ca, Al, As, Co, Mg, P, Fe, parathyroid hormone (PTH), Ct levels and primary familial brain calcification (PFBC).@*Methods@#We recruited 17 PFBC families from July, 2015 to October, 2016. Groups were divided according to clinical symptoms, the serum concentrations of Ca, P, Fe, Al, As, Co, PTH and Ct were compared among different family groups.@*Results@#There was no significant difference in serum levels of Ca, P, Fe, Al, As, Co, PTH and Ct among the healthy and patient groups or the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, symptomatic and asymptomatic groups in movement disorder families and in psychiatric families (P>0.05).@*Conclusions@#Among the 17 PFBC families, neither serum concentrations of Ca, Al, As, Co, Mg, P, and Fe nor the levels of PTH and Ct were associated with PFBC.

Serum calcium and other test results in 17 patients with primary familial brain calcification / 中国医师杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation between Ca,Al,As,Co,Mg,P,Fe,parathyroid hormone (PTH),Ct levels and primary familial brain calcification (PFBC).Methods We recruited 17 PFBC families from July,2015 to October,2016.Groups were divided according to clinical symptoms,the serum concentrations of Ca,P,Fe,Al,As,Co,PTH and Ct were compared among different family groups.Results There was no significant difference in serum levels of Ca,P,Fe,Al,As,Co,PTH and Ct among the healthy and patient groups or the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups,symptomatic and asymptomatic groups in movement disorder families and in psychiatric families (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Among the 17 PFBC families,neither serum concentrations of Ca,Al,As,Co,Mg,P,and Fe nor the levels of PTH and Ct were associated with PFBC.

Characteristics of cerebral glucose metabolism in patients with corticobasal degeneration / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective To identify abnormal cerebral glucose metabolism characteristics in patients with corticobasal degeneration (CBD) using 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET imaging. Methods From January 2014 to January 2017, resting-state brain 18 F-FDG PET imaging was performed in 10 CBD patients (5 males, 5 females; average age: (63.4±6.2) years) and 20 age-matched healthy subjects (8 males, 12 female; average age: (63.6±6.2) years). Voxel-based statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was used to analyze images to obtain the CBD-related brain metabolic characteristics. The regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (rCMRglc) was compared between 2 groups by two-sample t test. Results Compared with healthy controls, CBD group demonstrated asymmetrically decreased glucose metabolism mainly in the cere-bral hemisphere opposite to the more clinically affected body side, including the superior, middle and inferi-or frontal gyrus, the precentral gyrus, the superior and inferior parietal lobule, the angular gyrus, the supra-marginal gyrus, the precuneus, the middle occipital gyrus, the middle and inferior temporal gyrus, Heschl gyrus, the fusiform gyrus, the insula and the thalamus. And relatively increased glucose metabolism was present in ipsilateral precentral and postcentral gyrus, hippocampus, insula and putamen, bilateral cerebel-lum, paracentral lobules and pontine. The rCMRglc in those regions was significantly different between CBD patients and healthy controls (t values: 4.236-9.044, all P<0.01). Conclusion The asymmetric cerebral glucose metabolism features in CBD based on 18 F-FDG PET imaging contribute to the differential diagnosis between CBD patients and healthy subjects.

Fahr Syndrome - an Important Piece of a Puzzle in the Differential Diagnosis of Many Diseases.

Fahr syndrome is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by symmetrical, bilateral calcifications in the basal ganglia, nucleus gyrus and cerebral cortex. The continuous advancement as well as widespread use of brain imaging have contributed to the increasing detection rates of such changes. Nevertheless, their etiology is understood only partially and the methods of causative treatment are limited. Due to various symptoms, Fahr syndrome may resemble diseases from the field of neurology, psychiatry, cardiology and even urology. This article provides an up-to-date review of the literature concerning Fahr syndrome in terms of clinical practice.

Chorea Caused by Unruptured Arteriovenous Malformation: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Chorea is a movement disorder that can be caused by a large range of degenerative, vascular, metabolic and toxic disorders in basal ganglia. Arteriovenous malformations are rare vascular malformations the clinical presentation of which depends on the malformation characteristics and localization. They are most commonly presented with intracranial hemorrhage, while focal neurological deficit is the rarest presentation. A case is reported of a 64-year-old female patient presented with hemichorea. Magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography revealed the presence of arteriovenous malformation in the right temporal lobe.

Síndrome do QT longo adquirido em paciente portadora de doença de Fahr / Acquired long QT syndrome in a patient with Fahr's disease

A síndrome do QT longo é uma doença caracterizada por um atraso na repolarização ventricular, que se manifesta como síncope cardíaca até morte súbita. Alguns distúrbios hidroeletrolíticos podem corresponder à forma adquirida da síndrome, como a hipocalcemia. A hipocalcemia pode ocorrer em função do hipoparatireoidismo, que, em um quadro crônico, pode determinar calcificação em núcleos da base no sistema nervoso central, caracterizando a doença de Fahr. Paciente ISC, sexo feminino, 71 anos, referiu episódio de perda súbita da consciência associado a movimentos tônico-clônicos e relaxamento esfincteriano.Os achados do exame físico foram hipotensão arterial (80x60mmHg) e bradipsiquismo. Foi realizado eletrocardiograma, que mostrou alargamento do segmento QT, corrigido em 0,57'' pela fórmula de Bazett. Na história pregressa, referiu tiroidectomia parcial à direita há 20 anos, hipotireoidismo e hipertensão arterial. Fazia uso de quatro anti-hipertensivos e de um tireoestimulante. A análise da tomografia de crânio mostrou densos componentes calcificados nas regiões dos gânglios da base. A ultrassonografia de tireoide mostrou lobotomização à direita. O diagnóstico de hipoparatireoidismo foi suspeitado pelos sintomas de fadiga, sonolência, e sinais de Chvostek e Trousseau positivos, e confirmado por exames que demonstraram hipocalcemia significativa, hiperfosfatemia e níveis reduzidos de hormônio paratireóideo. Por se tratar de um quadro insidioso, o diagnóstico de hipoparatireoidismo é pouco elucidado apenas pela clínica. Neste caso, o alargamento do QT foi imprescindível para esclarecer e tratar sua etiologia. Além disso, a doença de Fahr, apesar de rara, deve ser considerada diante de um paciente com hipoparatireoidismo e história clínica compatível

Long QT syndrome is a disease characterized by a delay in ventricular repolarization that is manifested as cardiac syncope or even as sudden death. Some water and electrolyte disturbances can reflect the acquired form of the syndrome, such as hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can arise because of hypoparathyroidism, which in a chronic setting can determine basal ganglia calcification in the central nervous system, featuring Fahr's disease. ISC, female, 71, reported an episode of sudden loss of consciousness associated with tonic-clonic movements, and sphincter relaxation. Physical examination findings were hypotension (80x60mm Hg) and bradypsychism. The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed QT interval prolongation, corrected for 0.57'' by Bazett's formula. In her previous history she reported right partial thyroidectomy 20 years ago, hypothyroidism and high blood pressure. She made use of four anti-hypertensive drugs and one thyroid stimulating hormone. CT scan analysis showed dense calcified componentes in the regions of basal ganglia. Thyroid ultrasound showed right lobotomization. The diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism was suspected due to symptoms of fatigue, sleepiness, and positive signs of Chvostek and Trousseau, and confirmed by tests that showed significant hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) Because of its insidious picture, the diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism is only slightly elucidated by the clinical exam. In this case, QT prolongation was essential to clarify and treat its etiology. Furthermore, Fahr's disease, although rare, should be considered in a patient with hypoparathyroidism and consistent clinical history.

Enfermedad de Fahr, una entidad patológica rara, revisión de la literatura a propósito de dos casos / Fahr Disease, A Rare Pathologic Entity, Literature Review in Relation of Two Cases

La enfermedad de Fahr es una entidad neurodegenerativa autosómica dominante poco frecuente, con incidencia en personas entre la cuarta y la quinta década de la vida, caracterizada por calcificaciones simétricas prominentes detectadas por tomografía computarizada en tálamo, cápsula interna, sustancia blanca, cerebelo y ganglios basales con o sin compromiso del núcleo dentado, sin que se relacione con alteraciones del metabolismo del calcio. Estos cambios pueden llevar a trastornos neuropsiquiátricos y síntomas piramidales, extrapiramidales y cerebelosos. En este artículo se exponen las manifestaciones clínicas, los hallazgos imaginológicos y la serología utilizada para llegar al diagnóstico de esta enfermedad con base en dos casos clínicos de la Clínica Universitaria Colombia en la ciudad de Bogotá.

Fahr's disease is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease. It is infrequent, and it has an incidence between the fourth and fifth decade of life. It is characterized by prominent symmetrical calcifications detected in CT studies located on thalamus, internal capsule, white matter, cerebellum and basal ganglia with or without involvement of the dentate nucleus, without being related to calcium metabolism disorders. These changes may lead to neuropsychiatric disorders and pyramidal, extrapyramidal and cerebellar symptoms. In this article we expose the clinical manifestations, imaging findings and serology test used for the diagnosis of the disease based on two clinical cases in the Clínica Universitaria Colombia in Bogotá.

Chorea, Hyperglycemia, Basal Ganglia Syndrome (C-H-BG) in an uncontrolled diabetic patient with normal glucose levels on presentation.

PATIENT: Female, 66 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Chorea • hyperglycemia • Basal Ganglia Syndrome (C-H-BG) Symptoms: Hemibalism • hemichorea MEDICATION: - Clinical Procedure: - Specialty: Endocrinology and Metabolic. OBJECTIVE: Challenging differential diagnosis. BACKGROUND: Hemichorea-hemiballism (HCHB) is a spectrum of involuntary, continuous non-patterned movement involving 1 side of the body. Possible causes of HCHB include hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, neoplasm, systemic lupus erythematosus, HHNK, Wilson's disease, and thyrotoxicosis. This case illustrates the need to be aware of hyperglycemia as a cause of hemiballism/hemichorea, which is now referred to in the medical literature as C-H-BG (chorea, hyperglycemia, basal ganglia) syndrome. CASE REPORT: A 66-year-old Hispanic woman presented to our care with hemiballism/hemichorea of the right arm and leg of 1 week duration. She had been admitted 3 months prior with toxic metabolic encephalopathy secondary to hyperosmolar hyperglycemic non-ketotic syndrome with a blood glucose level of 984 mg/dL. Her blood glucose level was normal but hemoglobin A1C was 12.2%. A brain MRI revealed an asymmetric T1 hyperintensity of the left putamen. This specific finding was compatible with hyperglycemia-induced hemichorea hemiballism syndrome. The hemiballism/hemichorea slowly improved over the course of the hospitalization with strict glycemic control. At the 3-month follow-up visit she had no involuntary movements of her extremities, and she had well controlled blood glucose levels and a hemoglobin A1C of 9.0. CONCLUSIONS: In a patient with normal glycemic levels but a history of uncontrolled diabetes, C-H-BG syndrome should be on the top of the differential list when the characteristic MRI findings of a hyperintensity in the basal ganglia are observed. This is a rare disease that deserves attention because it is reversible with correction of hyperglycemia. Thus, prompt recognition and treatment is essential to avoid adverse outcomes.