Epileptic seizure, as the first symptom of hypoparathyroidism in children, does not require antiepileptic drugs

Hypoparathyroidism Revealed by Unsuccessful Anti-epileptic Therapy

Pediatric hypoparathyroidism is an uncommon endocrine disease that can be either isolated or syndromic. It occurs when the secretion of parathormone is insufficient to maintain normal levels of ionized calcium. Patients with hypoparathyroidism can exhibit cerebral calcifications and metabolic disorders, and the severity of such features is inversely correlated with hypocalcemia. We report a case of a 13-year-old patient who was initially diagnosed with epilepsy by another medical team two years before her admission to our hospital and who was subjected to oral valproate therapy. The anti-epileptic therapy proved to be unsuccessful even with increasing doses. The diagnosis was corrected when we performed adequate biological investigations. This case is underlying the importance of the electrolytes profile, especially the serum phosphocalcic test, in the management of patients with new onset or recurrent epileptic seizures.

Fahr's Syndrome Presenting With Hypocalcemia and Psychotic Features

Fahr's disease is a rare genetic neurodegenerative disorder described as “bilateral striopallidodentate calcinosis” (BSPDC). It is characterized by calcium deposition crossing the blood-brain barrier and calcifying different brain areas. Here, we report a case of a 26-year-old Saudi young lady, known as a case of epilepsy since childhood, a major depressive disorder with psychotic features, and hypocalcemia related to hypoparathyroidism. CT brain showed extensive coarse calcifications involving the infra and supratentorial white matter, predominantly within the basal ganglia, thalami, and dentate nuclei of cerebellar hemispheres. This report will discuss the challenging presentation, clinical symptoms, and the multidisciplinary approach to manage Fahr's syndrome symptoms. In conclusion, this case emphasizes the importance of neuroimaging and metabolic workup when investigating the seizure's etiology. The goal of treatment in Fahr's syndrome is to manage the underlying conditions.

Case report: a 10-year-old girl with primary hypoparathyroidism and systemic lupus erythematosus

Objectives Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disease in children that occurs as a result of autoimmune destruction of the parathyroid glands, a defect in parathyroid gland development or secondary to physical parathyroid gland disturbance. Typical symptoms of hypoparathyroidism present as hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphatemia due to decreased parathyroid hormone secretion and may lead to nerve and muscles disturbances resulting in clinical manifestation of tetany, arrhythmias and epilepsy. Currently, there is no conventional hormone replacement treatment for hypoparathyroidism and therapeutic approaches include normalising mineral levels using an oral calcium supplement and active forms of vitamin D. Case presentation We present the case of a 10-year-old girl with primary hypoparathyroidism who had no prior history of autoimmune disorders, but who subsequently developed systemic lupus erythematosus.

EPILEPTIC SEIZURES AS THE FIRST MANIFESTATION OF FAHR'S SYNDROME

Introduction

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder, leading to complications affecting the kidneys, the eyes, the cerebrum (Fahr's syndrome, epilepsy, parkinsonism, cognitive impairment), and the heart.

Case report

We present the case of a 24-year old male that presented to our clinic for generalized tonic-clonic seizures increasing in frequency for the last year or so. Furthermore, he was diagnosed with subcapsular cataract of both eyes and had intraocular lens implant surgery 12 years ago. CT scan performed at admission showed calcium deposits on the dentate nuclei, basal ganglia, thalamus, cerebellum and bilateral subcortical fronto-parietal white matter compatible with Fahr's disease. The results of the laboratory tests were normal except for hypocalcemia, hyperphosphoremia and low intact parathormone (iPTH). The patient was diagnosed with primary hypoparathyroidism which led to Fahr's syndrome. The patient was prescribed oral medication including calcium carbonate, calcidiol, magnesium orotate and levetiracetam. The follow-up after three months revealed a seizure free status and normalization of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus levels.

Conclusion

Fahr's syndrome can be a cause of epileptic seizures and should be considered in the clinical approach to an epileptic patient, especially in children, teenagers, and young adults.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is associated with a spectrum of clinical manifestations in the acute and chronic settings, from mild to debilitating. Although the acute symptoms of hypocalcemia are primarily due to neuromuscular irritability, the chronic manifestations of hypoparathyroidism may be due to the disease itself or to complications of therapy or to both. The chronic complications of hypoparathyroidism can affect multiple organ systems, including the renal, neurologic, neuropsychiatric, skeletal, and immune systems. Further research is needed to determine the pathophysiology of complications in hypoparathyroidism and whether interventions can decrease the risk of these complications.

Reversible central neural hyperexcitability: an electroencephalographic clue to hypocalcaemia

A 23-year-old male patient presented with cognitive decline and seizures. Examination revealed Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs. Investigations revealed hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphatemia and normal intact parathyroid hormone levels. Imaging showed calcifications in bilateral basal ganglia, thalamus and dentate nuclei. Interictal electroencephalogram showed theta range slowing of background activity and bilateral temporo-occipital, irregular, sharp and slow wave discharges, which accentuated during hyperventilation, photic stimulation and eye closure. Appearance of epileptiform discharges after eye closure, hyperventilation and photic stimulation may suggest presence of central neural hyperexcitability due to hypocalcaemia. These features may be an equivalent of peripheral neuromuscular hyperexcitability (Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs) that occurs in hypocalcaemia. The clinical and electroencephalographic features completely reversed with correction of serum calcium without antiepileptic medications. It is important for clinicians to recognise these reversible changes, as it can help to avoid misdiagnosis and long-term administration of antiepileptic becomes unnecessary.