The Psychopathology of Basal Ganglia Calcification

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Philpot, Michael P.^; | Lewis, Shon W.

Affiliations: Department of Psychogeriatrics, United Medical and Dental Schools, Guy's Hospital, London Bridge, London, SE1 9RT, UK | Department of Psychiatry, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical Schools, London, W6 8RF, UK

Note: [] Correspondence: Dr M. P. Philpot, St. John's House, Hither Green Hospital, Hither Green Lane, London SE13 6RU, UK

Abstract: Basal ganglia calcification (BGC) was found in 36 of 4122 patients undergoing computed tomography as part of a clinical investigation of their psychiatric illness. The prevalence of BGC increased with age in both men and women. No psychiatric diagnosis was specifically associated with BGC although calcification of the putamen and the caudate was only found in patients with functional disorders. No abnormalities of calcium or phosphate metabolism were found. The results do not support the hypothesis that BGC is an aetiological factor in schizophrenia-like psychoses.

DOI: 10.3233/BEN-1989-2404

Journal: Behavioural Neurology, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 227-233, 1989