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


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55, Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. Electronic address: frankfy21@gmail.com.
Fang
F
Yu
Department of Radiology, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Andrew
A
Steven
Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
Lee
L
Birnbaum
Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
Wilson
W
Altmeyer
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002819:Chorea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D020820:Dyskinesias / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000150:complications*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
Brain; MRI; Nonketotic hyperglycemia; SWI; T2*