SYDENHAMS CHOREA AND SCHIZOPHRENIA - A CASE-REPORT

The following is a case report of a patient with Sydenham's chorea who later developed schizophrenia. Autopsy examination of this patient re vealed mineral deposits in the basal ganglia. The deposition of minera ls, especially iron, within subcortical brain structures has been asso ciated with dopaminergic abnormalities, schizophreniform symptoms, and abnormal movement disorders. The psychosis these patients experience is sometimes resistant to treatment with traditional neuroleptics. A C T or MRI scan may prove useful in screening those patients with Sydenh am's chorea that develop psychotic symptoms.