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An unusual cause of recurrent chorea
1Lee Silverman Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, AZ 85259.
Summary
Recurrent chorea, a neurological movement disorder, can be triggered by hormone therapy. This case highlights a potential link between topical estrogen cream and recurrent chorea in a woman with a history of chorea gravidarum.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Chorea gravidarum is a rare condition characterized by involuntary movements during pregnancy.
- Hormonal influences on neurological function, particularly the basal ganglia, are complex and not fully elucidated.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old woman experienced recurrent chorea, a neurological movement disorder.
- Her history included chorea gravidarum during a previous pregnancy.
Findings:
- The recurrent chorea episodes were consistently induced by the application of a topical vaginal cream containing conjugated estrogen.
- This suggests a potential hormone-induced chorea syndrome linked to exogenous estrogen exposure.
Implications:
- This case suggests that topical estrogen therapy can potentially trigger recurrent chorea in susceptible individuals.
- Further research is warranted to understand the precise mechanisms by which estrogen affects the basal ganglia and induces chorea.