Hyperglycemic chorea/ballism ascertained over 15 years at a referral medical center

Chorea triggered by hyperglycemia is a rare complication of diabetes, with only seven cases identified at our tertiary medical center during 15 years of surveillance. This comprised about 1% of all chorea cases at our center during this time. Hyperglycemic chorea primarily developed in later life, with new-onset diabetes in the majority (4/7). Although MRI putamen T1-hyperintensity is reportedly typical, it was only seen in 3/6 cases. This MRI appearance may be mistaken for a hemorrhagic stroke, given the usual unilateral presentation. The chorea was controlled with dopamine blocking/depleting medications.