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

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.