Hemichorea associated with cavernous angioma and a small errhysis: A case report and literature review

Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Oct;97(43):e12889. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000012889.

Abstract

Rationale: Chorea is a movement disorder characterized by randomly appearing involuntary movements of the face, neck, limbs, or trunk. Hemichorea is unilateral, involving one side of the body. Hemichorea is commonly caused by non-ketotic hyperglycemia and/or cerebrovascular injury to the contralateral basal ganglia.

Patient concerns: Here, we report the case of a patient diagnosed with hemichorea who had diabetes, cavernous angioma, and a small intracranial errhysis. Routine testing showed the patient's blood glucose level was slightly higher than the normal range.

Interventions: The errhysis was too small to be treated.

Diagnoses: Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a cavernous angioma with a small errhysis in the right putamen.

Outcomes: Hemichorea was completely resolved after 4 months.

Lessons: If diabetes is well controlled and imaging indicates brain lesions suggestive of a recent stroke, a diagnosis of post-stroke hemichorea should be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chorea / diagnosis*
  • Chorea / etiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous / complications
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / complications*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Putamen / blood supply
  • Putamen / diagnostic imaging*
  • Putamen / pathology
  • Stroke / complications