IDIOPATHIC HYPOPARATHYROIDISM WITH MENTAL DETERIORATION: EFFECT OF TREATMENT ON INTELLECTUAL FUNCTION

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Abstract
IDIOPATHIC hypoparathyroidism, though rare, is a disease with many interesting aspects. The characteristics of the disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism were described by Albright and Ellsworth (1) in 1929. Additional important clinical and pathological observations were presented by Albright and associates (4) in a rather full review of the subject in 1939. The essential considerations in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism were clarified by McLean (10) in 1941. Of particular interest are the severe cerebral changes so frequently associated with this condition. Psychotic reactions have been observed in idiopathic parathyroid insufficiency (8) as well as in the postoperative type (9). The concomitant occurrence of intracerebral calcification, convulsions, and mental deterioration has been emphasized by Eaton et al (5, 6). Barr, MacBryde, and Sanders (2), and others (14), have shown that increased intracranial pressure and papilledema may accompany parathyroid tetany. The relationship of these varied disturbances to the underlying hypoparathyroidism is unknown. Although intellectual impairment is a frequent finding in idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, very little has been written concerning the origin of this defect and its response to treatment (6).

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