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Neuroimaging findings in acute pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis
Alaysia Barrot1, Thierry Agm Huisman1, Andrea Poretti2
1Section of Pediatric Neuroradiology, Division of Pediatric Radiology, Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA.
Insights
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children with type 1 diabetes can cause severe brain injury. Early recognition of neuroimaging findings is crucial for timely treatment and preventing neurological damage.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Radiology
Background:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe complication of type 1 diabetes in children.
- Central nervous system (CNS) injury can occur in a subset of pediatric DKA cases.
Observation:
- Cerebral edema is the most frequent neuroimaging finding in pediatric DKA.
- Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke are less common intracerebral complications.
Findings:
- Presents neuroimaging findings in two pediatric DKA patients with brain injury.
- Highlights the spectrum of CNS complications in pediatric DKA.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse neuroimaging findings in pediatric DKA.
- Early detection and therapy are vital to prevent severe neurological morbidity and mortality.
Abstract:
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a state of severe insulin deficiency and a serious complication in children with diabetes mellitus type 1. In a small number of children, DKA is complicated by injury of the central nervous system. These children have a significant mortality and high long-term neurological morbidity. Cerebral edema is the most common neuroimaging finding in children with DKA and may cause brain herniation. Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke during the acute DKA episode is less common and accounts for approximately 10% of intracerebral complications of DKA. Here we present the neuroimaging findings of two children with DKA and brain injury. Familiarity with the spectrum of neuroimaging findings seen in pediatric DKA is important to allow early detection as well as initiation of therapy and, hence, prevent complications of the central nervous system.
