Diabetic muscle infarction: A case report

Abstract

Diabetes muscle infarction (DMI) is a rare complication of diabetes in which patients who present with DMI more commonly have some form of kidney disease in addition to diabetes mellitus. DMI typically presents with muscle pain and swelling. Diagnosis typically requires imaging (MRI with gadolinium contrast is the gold standard) and a variety of laboratory studies may aid in the diagnosis. Treatment of DMI varies depending on the severity of the case. In general patients recover quickly, though there is a risk of recurrence. This particular case report is a 36 year old female who presented with right lower extremity pain and chronic kidney disease. Case reports like this are important to highlight DMI as it is likely to become more common as diabetes continues to become more prevalent.

Keywords: Complications of Diabetes; Diabetes; Muscle Infarction.

Figure 1

T2-weighted axial image of right thigh demonstrating an edematous, swollen, and atrophic appearance of the hamstrings and adductor muscles, compatible with myonecrosis. Posterior to hamstrings muscles, there is an organizing fluid collection that was drained and consistent with abscess

Figure 2

Sagittal STIR image demonstrating the craniocaudal extent of the organizing fluid collection in the posterior thigh

Figure 3

Coronal STIR image demonstrating organizing fluid collection and atrophic, edematous appearance of the posterior muscles of the thigh, with a contralateral comparison to the normal left thigh