[Clinical characteristics of hemichorea associated with non-ketotic hyperglycemia in 3 patients: case report and literature review].

To investigate the pathophysiology, clinical manifestation and neuroimaging characteristics and therapeutic experiences for hemichore associated with non-ketotic hyperglycemia (HC-NH).
 Methods: Clinical data of three patients with HC-NH from Xiangya Hospital, Central South University were analyzed retrospectively, and the related literature was reviewed.
 Results: The core clinical features of HC-NH were characterized by acute/subacute onset of hemichorea with non-ketotic hyperglycemia in the elderly females. Radiologic findings associated with HC-NH were characterized by hyperattenuation on computed tomographic (CT) scans and hyperintensity on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at unilateral basal ganglion region. Blood glucose control was the foundation of treatment. Dopamine receptor antagonists and benzodiazepine sedative were helpful in controlling hemichorea. 
 Conclusion: Hemichorea-hemiballismus is a rare complication of nonketotic hyperglycaemia in elderly type 2 diabetes. It is associated with contralateral striatal radiological abnormality and typically T1 hyperintensity on MRI. The pathophysiology of HC-NH is not clear. The prognosis of HC-NH is favorable. Antidiabetic drugs combined with dopamine receptor antagonists can effectively relieve the hemichorea symptoms.