Prevalence and progression of basal ganglia calcification and its pathogenic mechanism in patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism

Abstract

Background The pathogenesis of basal ganglia calcification (BGC) in hypoparathyroidism is not clear. Its occurrence in hypocalcaemic milieu of hypoparathyroidism is believed to be due to high serum calcium–phosphorus product and poor calcium control. Objective To report details of BGC in patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (IH) and factors determining its progression during follow-up. Method Clinical, biochemical characteristics and a meningioma-expressed antigen-6 (MGEA6) gene polymorphism were analysed in 145 patients with IH, recruited since 1998, to determine the factors associated with BGC. The progression of BGC and its relationship with metabolic control of serum calcium, phosphorus, serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)₂D were assessed after a mean of 6·9 ± 3·5 years in 49 of them. Results Basal ganglia calcification was present in 73·8% (95% CI: 66·6%–81·0%) of subjects affecting the globus pallidus (68·8%) putamen (55·9%) and caudate nucleus (54·8%). The other sites calcified were grey–white junction (39·8%), cerebellar parenchyma (31·2%), thalamus (29·0%) and dentate nuclei (24·7%). Parkinsonism and dystonic symptoms were present in three cases. The presence of BGC at presentation was associated with calcification of the choroid plexus, cataract and an increased risk of seizures but not tetany. The progression of BGC during follow-up was related to calcium/phosphorus ratio. For every 1% increase in this ratio, the odds of progression decreased by 5% (OR: 0·95, 95% CI: 0·93–0·99, P < 0·001). A MGEA6 polymorphism, serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)₂D did not affect progression of BGC. Conclusion Basal ganglia calcification occurs in 73·8% of patients with IH and correlates with the duration of hypocalcaemia, choroid plexus calcification, seizures and cataract. The progression of BGC is related to the calcium/phosphorus ratio during follow-up. This brings forth the importance of adequate phosphorus control in the management of hypoparathyroidism.