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Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry logoLink to Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
. 2005 Dec;76(12):1717–1719. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2005.067033

Acanthocytosis as a predisposing factor for non-ketotic hyperglycaemia induced chorea-ballism

A Pisani 1, M Diomedi 1, A Rum 1, P Cianciulli 1, R Floris 1, A Orlacchio 1, G Bernardi 1, P Calabresi 1
PMCID: PMC1739427  PMID: 16291901

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether factors other than hyperglycaemia may be responsible for the neurological involvement.

Methods: Three patients who developed a persistent chorea-ballism syndrome triggered by a hyperglycaemic crisis were investigated. In these patients, the persistence of the involuntary movements required neuroleptic medication.

Results: T1 weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral hyperintense lesions involving the striatum. Surprisingly, in these patients, the laboratory investigations revealed peripheral red blood cell acanthocytosis in a significant proportion of cells.

Conclusion: Compared with the large population of patients with diabetes who do not show abnormal involuntary movements, unrecognised acanthocytosis in diabetes might render patients prone to develop hemichorea-hemiballism.

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