Spontaneous intracerebral hematomas in juvenile diabetic ketoacidosis

Ketoacidosis is one of the common complications of Type I insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Several neurologic (cerebral) deficiencies have been associated with diabetic ketoacidosis, including cerebral edema with increased intracranial pressure resulting in coma; partial and generalized seizures; and cerebrovascular occlusive disease resulting in motor and/or sensory dysfunction. Intracerebral hematomas have not been reported. A child is described who had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with hyperglycemic ketoacidosis who developed multiple spontaneous intracerebral hematomas. Possible mechanisms are discussed.