Occipital seizures and subcortical T2 hypointensity in the setting of hyperglycemia.

BACKGROUND

Occipital lobe seizures are a recognized manifestation of diabetic nonketotic hyperglycemia, though not as common as focal motor seizures. Occipital lobe white matter T2 hypointensity may suggest this diagnosis.

METHODS

We present a case of a 66-year-old man with hyperglycemia-related occipital lobe seizures who presented with confusion, intermittent visual hallucinations, and homonymous hemianopia.

RESULTS

Magnetic resonance imaging showed subcortical T2 hypointensity within the left occipital lobe with adjacent leptomeningeal enhancement. These findings were transient with disappearance in a follow-up MRI. The EEG captured frequent seizures originating in the left occipital region. HbA1c level was 13.4% on presentation, and finger stick blood glucose level was 400 mg/dl.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperglycemia should be considered in the etiology of differential diagnosis of patients with visual abnormalities suspicious for seizures, especially when the MRI shows focal subcortical T2 hypointensity with or without leptomeningeal enhancement.