Frontiers in Neurology (Feb 2020)

Hemichorea Associated With Non-ketotic Hyperglycemia: A Case Report and Literature Review

  • Wei Zheng,
  • Lin Chen,
  • Jian-hao Chen,
  • Xiang Lin,
  • Yi Tang,
  • Xiao-juan Lin,
  • Jing Wu,
  • Zhao-min Lin,
  • Jing-yuan Lin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.00096
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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Objective: To explore the clinical manifestation, diagnosis, therapy, and mechanism of hemichorea associated with non-ketotic hyperglycemia (HC-NH) so as to enhance awareness and avoid misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis of the disease.Methods: A case of HC-NH was reported and reviewed in terms of the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment.Results: Hemichorea associated with non-ketotic hyperglycemia is a rare complication of diabetes mellitus, which is commonly seen in elderly women with poorly-controlled diabetes. The condition is characterized by non-ketotic hyperglycemia, unilateral involuntary choreiform movements, and contralateral basal ganglia hyper-intensity by T1-weighted MR imaging or high density on CT scans. Blood glucose control is the basal treatment, in combination with dopamine receptor antagonists and benzodiazepine sedative, in controlling hemichorea.Conclusion: In clinical practice, the possibility of unilateral chorea should be considered for diabetic patients with poor blood glucose control.

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