Unsuccessful treatment with levodopa of a parkinsonian patient with calcification of the basal ganglia

J Neurol. 1978 Apr 14;218(1):51-4. doi: 10.1007/BF00314718.

Abstract

A patient aged 67 had suffered from hypoparathyroidism (tetany and cataracts) following thyroidectomy at the age of 20, although treated with AT 10. During the last few years there had been a change of gait to small steps and general retardation. Nocturnal epileptic attacks occurred in the last year which led to the admission to hospital where a well developed parkinsonian syndrome without tremor was observed. X-rays of the skull, including computed tomograms, revealed calcification of the basal ganglia and dentate nuclei. Treatment with levodopa was ineffective. The mechanism for this is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Basal Ganglia*
  • Brain Diseases / complications*
  • Calcinosis / complications*
  • Drug Resistance
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Parkinson Disease / etiology

Substances

  • Levodopa