Clinical characteristics of hemichorea associated with non-ketotic hyperglycemia in 3 patients: case report and literature review / 中南大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the pathophysiology,clinical manifestation and neuroimaging characteristics and therapeutic experiences for hemichore associated with non-ketotic hyperglycemia (HC-NH).Methods:Clinical data of three patients with HC-NH from Xiangya Hospital,Central South University were analyzed retrospectively,and the related literature was reviewed.Results:The core clinical features of HC-NH were characterized by acute/subacute onset of hemichorea with non-ketotic hyperglycemia in the elderly females.Radiologic findings associated with HC-NH were characterized by hyperattenuation on computed tomographic (CT) scans and hyperintensity on Tl-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at unilateral basal ganglion region.Blood glucose control was the foundation of treatment.Dopamine receptor antagonists and benzodiazepine sedative were helpful in controlling hemichorea.Conclusion:Hemichorea-hemiballismus is a rare complication of nonketotic hyperglycaemia in elderly type 2 diabetes.It is associated with contralateral striatal radiological abnormality and typically T1 hyperintensity on MRI.The pathophysiology of HC-NH is not clear.The prognosis of HC-NH is favorable.Antidiabetic drugs combined with dopamine receptor antagonists can effectively relieve the hemichorea symptoms.