A case of chorea-hyperglycemia-basal ganglia syndrome: a rare case of movement disorder

Abstract

Chorea hyperglycemia basal ganglia syndrome is a rare condition that manifests in setting of uncontrolled nonketotic diabetes mellitus. The objective of this case report is to highlight the importance of a physician to be aware of hyperglycemia as a cause of hemichorea/ hemiballismus which is referred to in medical literature as chorea-hyperglycemia-basal ganglia syndrome. 1 This case involves a 60 years old Hypertensive and poorly controlled diabetic female who presented with choreiform movements of right upper and lower limbs for last one month. Her initial glucose level was 352 mg/dl. CT scan of her brain showed no obvious abnormality except for hyper density left basal ganglia region. MRI brain (Plain+Contrast) revealed hyperintense lesion in left basal ganglia region; Left putaminal region showing signal changes likely metabolic in nature. With gradual control of her hyperglycemia, the movement disorder resolved. With exclusion of other causes of the movement disorder and resolution of her symptoms with control of blood sugar can lead to the inference that it was due to her uncontrolled diabetic status.