Fahr's Syndrome in an Oncology Patient
Keywords:
calcium; neurologic manifestations; rare diseases; syndromeAbstract
Introduction: Fahr's syndrome is a rare and infrequent disease characterized by the development of calcium deposits in brain structures, with a nonspecific symptomatic presentation and a variable course depending on its etiology.
Objective: To highlight the rarity and diagnostic challenge of Fahr's syndrome, diagnosed in a patient with cancer.
Case Report: A 69-year-old female patient with a history of endometrioid adenocarcinoma in the endometrium, treated with megestrol acetate and tamoxifen, with a confirmed partial response, presented with progressive neuropsychiatric deterioration, manifested by disorientation, episodes of agitation, aggressive behavior, and difficult-to-control depressive symptoms, initially considered to be delirium in older adults. She was hospitalized; the confusional state progressed to superficial stupor. A computed tomography scan of the head showed calcifications in the basal ganglia and cerebellum; calcium levels were normal. After ruling out secondary causes, a diagnosis of Fahr's syndrome was established. Symptomatic treatment and close clinical monitoring were prescribed.
Conclusions: Identifying Fahr's syndrome in patients with cancer is essential for the differential diagnosis of neurological manifestations and to avoid misinterpretations related to tumor progression or the effects of treatment.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Alejandro Manuel Perez Fonteboa, Danay Corrales Otero , Hector Montalvo Gonzalez, Lucien Bory Porras, Luis Enrqiue Alsina Tul, Claudia San Loys Bou, Karla Paiffer Sosa
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