Clinical manifestation of non-ketotic hyperglycemia chorea: A case report and literature review.

Weijing Wang, Xiaomei Tang, Hao Feng, Fenghui Sun, Lei Liu, Gary B Rajah, Fengchun Yu

Journal: Medicine 2020;99(22):e19801

PMID: 32481362

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Chorea is considered a special complication of diabetes mellitus. Here we report a case of chorea associated with non-ketotic hyperglycemia (NKH).

PATIENT CONCERNS

The patient was a 79-year-old Asian woman. She had a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus more than 30 years, but with a poor control of blood sugar. She complained of acute onset of right limb involuntary activities, and being admitted to neurology department.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was then diagnosed with NKH chorea.

INTERVENTIONS

Intravenous infusion of insulin was given to reduce blood glucose. Haloperidol was used to control motor symptoms.

OUTCOMES

Her symptoms improved quickly after treatment. In the past year, the patient's blood sugar was well controlled and her chorea did not recur.

LESSONS

If there are sudden abnormal movements in patients, in addition to thinking of chorea, hepatolenticular degeneration and other diseases, we should also pay attention to blood sugar, especially in diabetic patients with poor blood sugar control and negative ketone, we should consider the possibility of NKK chorea.

CONCLUSIONS

NKH chorea is a special complication of diabetes.

Address: Department of Neurology, Beijing Haidian Hospital, Beijing Haidian Section of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China.; Department of Neurosurgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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