FRI647 Hemiballismus - A Rare Presentation Of Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: C.L. Macrohon: None. M.L. Kanapi: None. Background: Diabetic Striatopathy is a rare disease with a prevalence of 1 in 100,000 and is more commonly seen in elderly women with poor glycemic control. It is an acute movement disorder characterized by sudden, non-purposeful jerking movements secondary to non-ketotic hyperglycemia. This is associated with high-intensity signals on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the brain noted at the basal ganglia. Case: We have a case of an 80-year old female who came in due to a four-day history of persistent involuntary, non-purposeful jerking of her right upper extremity accompanied by episodes of agitation and visual hallucinations. She has Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 for the past 20 years on Glibenclamide and Metformin. However, self-monitoring of blood glucose revealed fasting glucose levels as high as 300mg/dl. She was asymptomatic hence did not have regular follow-up with her primary care physician. She had no history of previous cerebrovascular disease. Family history was unremarkable. Upon examination, she was disoriented to place but answers appropriately to questions and did not have any speech abnormalities. On inspection it was noted that she had high amplitude involuntary flailing of the right upper extremity accompanied by non-purposeful jerking of her right lower extremity. Initial blood glucose level was 354mg/dl with an Hba1c of 13.7%. Serum ketones was within normal limits with a value of 0.1mmol/L. A plain Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brain was done which showed a region of T1 weighted hyperintensity with no corresponding abnormal restricted diffusion nor increased susceptibility signals involving the left lentiform nucleus with no evidence of acute infarction nor intracranial hemorrhage noted. At this time, patient was co-managed by Endocrinology and Neurology service with an impression of a Diabetic Striatopathy. For the hemiballism and other neurologic manifestations such as agitation, visual hallucinations and disorientation patient was given risperidone and clonazepam. Blood glucose was then managed through cautious insulin therapy as well as hydration. On the third hospital day, there was noted resolution of right-sided hemiballismus and at this time glycemic control was improved. Conclusion: Proper identification and diagnosis is essential in managing Diabetic striatopathy. Although this may be a rare presentation of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of an acute movement disorder as an unveiling symptom. This shows the importance of prompt blood glucose measurement in these acute cases. Once identified, adequate glycemic control through insulin therapy remains to be the center and most effective therapeutic management for the resolution of these hyperkinetic symptoms. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023