Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS) complicated by life-threatening large vessel occlusive arterial thrombosis – A mini case series and important reminder for clinicians

Abstract

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS) is a known life-threatening complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). As the incidence of T2DM continues to grow, it is important to remember some of its lesser-known complications. HHS has been described in the literature to result in small vessel thrombosis, leading to coronary or cerebral arterial thrombosis, resulting in acute myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accidents. The underlying pathology of this relates to the prothrombotic and hyperviscous state caused by HHS. On our review of the literature, however, we are unable to find a consistent description or HHS complicated by large vessel thrombotic occlusion. The authors of this paper present a mini case series describing two cases of HHS which were complicated by life or limb-threatening large vessel occlusive arterial thrombosis. This is particularly unique as we have otherwise only been able to identify single case reports in the existing literature from other authors. The purpose of this case discussion is to highlight this rare complication of HHS and to encourage clinicians to remember that HHS is not just a physiological or biochemical derangement, can also lead to true surgical emergencies requiring immediate treatment.