Diabetic Striatopathy (Hyperglycemic Hemichorea-Hemiballismus Syndrome) in a Young Patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Case Report
Introduction: Diabetic striatopathy, or nonketotic hyperglycemic hemichorea-hemiballismus syndrome, is a rare movement disorder linked to poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. It predominantly affects older women with type 2 diabetes mellitus and presents with characteristic basal ganglia...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Karger Publishers
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Case Reports in Neurology |
| Online Access: | https://karger.com/article/doi/10.1159/000542452 |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Diabetic striatopathy, or nonketotic hyperglycemic hemichorea-hemiballismus syndrome, is a rare movement disorder linked to poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. It predominantly affects older women with type 2 diabetes mellitus and presents with characteristic basal ganglia abnormalities on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Even rarer is the presentation in a young patient, which may pose diagnostic and management challenges. Case Presentation: We report a 17-year-old male with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus presenting with left-sided hemichorea-hemiballismus of acute onset associated with hyperglycemia without ketoacidosis. Brain imaging revealed increased attenuation in the right caudate and putamen on CT and hyperintensity on T1-weighted MRI, consistent with diabetic striatopathy. The abnormal movements abated after 1 month through dietary counseling, increased insulin dosage, and anti-chorea therapy. Conclusion: Diabetic striatopathy may occur in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. In resource-limited settings, its management can be challenging. There is a need for increased awareness among physicians of this potentially reversible condition, especially when seeing atypical patient populations. Strict glycemic control is an essential part of treatment. |
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| ISSN: | 1662-680X |