Korean J Med.  2010 Jul;79(1):62-66.

A case of hyperglycemia-induced hemiballism-hemichorea associated with diabetic ketoacidosis

• Kim HS
• Lee SH
• Kang JG
• Kim CS
• Ihm SH
• Yoo HJ
• Lee SJ

Abstract

Hemiballism-hemichorea (HB-HC) is defined as continuous, non-patterned, and involuntary movement involving one side of the body and is often associated with endocrine diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperthyroidism. In Korea, 16 cases of HB-HC associated with non-ketotic hyperglycemia have been reported. Here, we report the first known case of HB-HC associated with type 2 DM and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). A 32-year-old man visited our hospital complaining of hemichoreoballistic movement. The patient had no history of DM. In a neurological examination and laboratory tests, HB-HC associated with type 2 DM and DKA was diagnosed. The patient was immediately treated with intravenous hydration and insulin therapy, and completely recovered. DKA and non-ketotic hyperglycemia should be considered as a possible cause of HB-HC, although these are very rare. In HB-HC associated with DKA, strict blood glucose control is needed.

Keyword

Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic ketoacidosis; Hemiballism

MeSH Terms

Adult
Blood Glucose
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Dyskinesias
Endocrine System Diseases
Humans
Hyperglycemia
Hyperthyroidism
Insulin
Korea
Neurologic Examination
Blood Glucose
Insulin