Case Report
 
Diabetic muscle infarction with complications
Sarah Olivier Cabrera1, Raquel Michel1, Aracelis Lu2, Vihren Dimitrov1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Bronx, New York, USA.
2Department of Psychiatry, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Bronx, New York, USA.

doi:10.5348/ijcri-2013-06-318-CR-3

Address correspondence to:
Vihren Dimitrov
MD, 234 East 149th Street
Bronx, NY
USA. 10451
Phone: 718-579-5016/5278
Fax: 718-579-4836
Email: Vihren.Dimitrov@nychhc.org

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How to cite this article:
Cabrera SO, Michel R, Lu A, Dimitrov V. Diabetic muscle infarction with complications. International Journal of Case Reports and Images 2013;4(6):303–307.


Abstract
Introduction: Diabetic muscle infarction (DMI) is a rare complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that is often misdiagnosed. We report a case of diabetic muscle infarction and discuss diagnostic testing and treatment modalities to avoid complications.
Case Report: A 50-year-old male presented with spontaneous left thigh swelling for five days. He had several previous episodes in the contralateral side with recurrent admissions. His past medical history consisted of poorly controlled type 2 DM on insulin therapy, end stage renal diseases on hemodialysis and hypothyroidism. Physical examination revealed a tight, warm, erythematous and tender left thigh. Laboratory examination showed white blood cell count 1.23x104/µL with neutrophilia; hemoglobin 10.7 g/L, hematocrit 32.3%, alkaline phosphatase 792 U/L, creatinine 5.94 mg/dL and glucose 455 mg/dL. Venous ultrasound of left lower extremity revealed deep vein thrombosis in the mid left femoral vein however, venogram was negative. Compartment syndrome was considered and fasciotomy with biopsy was performed. Subsequently the patient worsened which lead to multiple re-interventions. After reviewing medical records from both our hospital and from other facilities, a diagnosis of DMI was established. Muscle biopsy supported this, revealing active macrophage infiltration with areas of necrosis. Treatment is conservative with pain management, rest and proper glycemic control. Surgical intervention is not necessary as it increases morbidity.
Conclusion: Although rare, DMI is a serious and potentially disabling complication of uncontrolled DM which continues to be under-diagnosed. Recognizing DMI more efficiently could prevent the patient from undergoing numerous, unnecessary diagnostic procedures, and medical or surgical interventions which in turn can result in more harm than good for the patient.

Keywords: Diabetic myonecrosis, Muscular degeneration, Diabetic microangiopathy


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Author Contributions
Sarah Olivier – Conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Critical revision of the article, Final approval of the version to be published
Raquel Michel – Conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Critical revision of the article, Final approval of the version to be published
Aracelis Lu – Acquisition of data, Drafting the article, Final approval of the version to be published
Vihren Dimitrov – Conception and design, Analysis and interpretation of data, Critical revision of the article, Final approval of the version to be published
Guarantor of submission
The corresponding author is the guarantor of submission.
Source of support
None
Conflict of interest
Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Copyright
© Sarah Olivier et al. 2013; This article is distributed the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any means provided the original authors and original publisher are properly credited. (Please see Copyright Policy for more information.)