Calcification of Falx Cerebri in childhood: a normal variant or a pathological entity

Abstract

The skull radiograph of 102 children with seizure disorders seen at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital over a 3-year period were reviewed and compared to those of 42 children with indications for skull radiographs other than seizures. Intracranial calcifications were reported in 14(13.7%) of those with seizure disorders, with calcification of the falx cerebri accounting for 57.1% of all the intracranial calcifications. In comparison to the controls, falx cerebri calcification was significantly higher in the children with seizures (c2 = 9.25, p< 0.001). Of the 8 cases that had calcification of the falx, birth asphyxia was associated in 5 (62.5%) of the cases with a relative risk "RR" of 2.1. Eighty seven percent of the falx calcification was seen in those with generalised seizures.


We conclude that calcification of the falx cerebri is a pathological entity with a possible role in the genesis of centroencephalic abnormal discharges in childhood. It is associated with generalised seizures, and birth asphyxia seems to be a predisposing factor.


Key Words: Seizures, Calcification of the falx cerebri, Pathological.


Sahel Med. J. Vol.6(2) 2003: 40-43