Acanthocytosis as a predisposing factor for non-ketotic hyperglycaemia induced chorea-ballism. Issue 12 (16th November 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pisani, A; Diomedi, M; Rum, A; Cianciulli, P; Floris, R; Orlacchio, A; Bernardi, G; Calabresi, P
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 76:Issue 12(2005)
• Page Start: 1717
• Page End: 1719
• Publication Date: 2005-11-16
• Subjects: apoB, apolipoprotein B -- HCHB, hemichorea-hemiballism -- MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; chorea -- ballism -- diabetes -- acanthocytosis; Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2005.067033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Episodic non-ketotic hyperglycaemia in patients with diabetes may be responsible for a syndrome characterised by hemichorea-hemiballism associated with unique radiological features. Objective: To investigate whether factors other than hyperglycaemia may be responsible for the neurological involvement. Methods: Three patients who developed a persistent chorea-ballism syndrome triggered by a hyperglycaemic crisis were investigated. In these patients, the persistence of the involuntary movements required neuroleptic medication. Results: T1 weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral hyperintense lesions involving the striatum. Surprisingly, in these patients, the laboratory investigations revealed peripheral red blood cell acanthocytosis in a significant proportion of cells. Conclusion: Compared with the large population of patients with diabetes who do not show abnormal involuntary movements, unrecognised acanthocytosis in diabetes might render patients prone to develop hemichorea-hemiballism.