Diabetic encephalopathy. Does it exist?

A case of a diabetic aged 65 years with an insidious progressive cerebral disorder with ataxia, tremor, general rigidity and mental deterioration is reported. Pathological examination revealed multiple small infarcts in the pons, the basal ganglia and medulla oblongata, corresponding to the lacunar state. The parenchymal lesions were associated with changes in the small arteries consistent with diabetic angiopathy. Since the patient was normotensive, the pathogenetic role of hemodynamic abnormalities in relation with diabetes is suggested.