T2*-based MR imaging of hyperglycemia-induced hemichorea-hemiballism

J Neuroradiol. 2017 Feb;44(1):24-30. doi: 10.1016/j.neurad.2016.09.005. Epub 2016 Nov 9.

Abstract

Introduction: Hyperglycemia can induce hemichorea-hemiballism, especially in elderly type II diabetics. CT and MRI findings include hyperdensity and T1-shortening in the contralateral lentiform nucleus, respectively. This study explores the associated imaging findings on T2*-based sequences.

Methods: Six patients with clinically documented hyperglycemia-induced hemichorea-hemiballism who had undergone MR imaging with a T2*-based sequence (T2* gradient echo or susceptibility-weighted imaging) were included in this retrospective case series.

Results: All six patients demonstrated T1-shortening contralateral to their hemichorea-hemiballism. T2*-based sequences demonstrated unilateral hypointense signal within the striatum in four patients. One patient had mild bilateral striatal hyperintensities, while another did not show significant signal changes.

Conclusion: It is important for the radiologist to be aware of the signal changes that can be seen on T2*-based sequences in hyperglycemia-induced hemochorea-hemiballism.

Keywords: Brain; MRI; Nonketotic hyperglycemia; SWI; T2*.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Chorea / diagnostic imaging*
  • Chorea / etiology
  • Chorea / pathology
  • Dyskinesias / diagnostic imaging*
  • Dyskinesias / etiology
  • Dyskinesias / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / complications*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult