Board Review 2 – Case 4

Neuroradiology board review. This lecture is geared towards the ABR core exam for residents, but it would be useful for review for the ABR certifying exam or certificate of added qualification (CAQ) exam for neuroradiology.

More description and the answer (spoiler!) are seen below the video.

This case shows an older woman with hyperdensity in the basal ganglia and cerebellar hemispheres on CT. The abnormality on MRI is T1 hypointense and has susceptibility artifact. The findings are most consistent with abnormal calcium deposition.

The diagnosis is: idiopathic basal ganglia calcification (Fahr disease)

There are a number of causes of calcification in the brain, some secondary (hyperparathyroidism) and this disease, which is a familial condition.