Characterization of Diabetic Striatopathy With Repeated Follow-Up Using Multiple Imaging Studies

Cureus. 2024 Jan 13;16(1):e52223. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52223. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Abstract

Diabetic striatopathy is a rare condition with a prevalence of less than one in 100,000. Herein, we report a case of diabetic striatopathy exacerbated by hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, with repeated follow-up with multiple imaging studies. This case suggested that putamen neuronal loss and dysfunction, gliosis, and ischemia are associated with diabetic striatopathy pathophysiology. In addition, striatal hyperintensity on T1-weighted MRI images was more pronounced after symptom remission when evaluated several times over a short period. Therefore, clinicians should be aware that even if MRI findings are normal in the very early stages of the onset of diabetic striatopathy, repeating MRIs at intervals may reveal typical findings.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus; diabetic chorea; diabetic striatopathy; hyperglycemic non-ketotic hemiballism; hyperglycemic non-ketotic hemichorea; neuroimaging.

Publication types

  • Case Reports