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Two cases of hemichorea-hemiballism with nonketotic hyperglycemia: a new point of view

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Abstract

Hemichorea-hemiballism (HCHB) is an usually continuous, nonpatterned, involuntary movement disorder caused by basal ganglia dysfunction, commonly due to a vascular lesion, described in nonketotic hyperglycemic patients. Particular computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings have been described. The pathogenic mechanism of chorea arising during hyperglycemia and the nature of neuroimaging findings are unclear. In this paper we describe two elderly women with onset of HCHB during a hyperglycemic episode. The symptoms persisted in one of them after recovery of normal glycemia. The pathophysiological mechanism of the disease is discussed in the light of clinical and neuroradiological follow-up.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Operative Unit of Neurology and Neurometabolic Diseases, Policlinico “Le Scotte”, University of Siena, V.le Bracci, 2, 53100, Siena, Italy

    Carla Battisti, Francesca Forte, Maria Teresa Dotti & Antonio Federico

  2. Section of Radiology, Department of Orthopedics, Radiology and Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy

    Elisa Rubenni

  3. USL 7, Siena, Italy

    Anna Bartali

  4. Unit of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Neuroradiology and InterDepartmental Center of Magnetic Resonance, Policlinico “S.Maria alle Scotte”, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy

    Paola Gennari & Alfonso Cerase

Authors
  1. Carla Battisti
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  2. Francesca Forte
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  3. Elisa Rubenni
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  4. Maria Teresa Dotti
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  5. Anna Bartali
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  6. Paola Gennari
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  7. Antonio Federico
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  8. Alfonso Cerase
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Correspondence to Carla Battisti.

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Battisti, C., Forte, F., Rubenni, E. et al. Two cases of hemichorea-hemiballism with nonketotic hyperglycemia: a new point of view. Neurol Sci 30, 179–183 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-009-0039-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-009-0039-5

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