Hypoglycemic Hemiplegia Associated with Reversible Narrowing of the Contralateral Middle Cerebral Artery in a Patient with Adrenal Insufficiency

Abstract

A 56-year-old man with a 2.5-month history of anorexia developed sweating, weakness, and left hemiplegia and hemispatial neglect. Brain magnetic resonance imaging detected no abnormalities, but magnetic resonance angiography revealed narrowing of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA). The focal neurological signs and narrowing of the MCA resolved after detection and correction of hypoglycemia. Endocrinological examinations indicated adrenal insufficiency. Hemiplegia is a rare but important neurological manifestation of hypoglycemia, although the mechanisms involved remain unknown. Combined hypoglycemia and decreased MCA blood flow associated with vasospasm probably induced regionally severe neuroglycopenia with ischemia, which presented as focal neurological symptoms.