Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus with intracranial calcification in a child with thalassemia minor.

INTRODUCTION

There are numerous causes for intracranial calcification in children. We describe an unusual cause of intracranial calcification in a child, namely, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI).

CASE REPORT: A 12-year-old boy presented with seizures and developmental delay. MRI of the brain revealed intracranial calcification. Evaluation showed findings suggestive of NDI. The lack of evidence of any other metabolic defect suggests that these calcifications were secondary to NDI. He also had anemia for which he was investigated and diagnosed as thalassemia minor. Detailed literature review failed to reveal any reported association between NDI and thalassemia minor.

CONCLUSION

We report this case to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of NDI to prevent organic brain damage.