PSUN260 Diabetic Myconecrosis: a Rare Complication of Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous diabetic myonecrosis is a rare and underdiagnosed microvascular complication of long standing and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. The pathogenesis of this infarction of the skeletal muscle appears to be related to vasculopathic changes without an atheroembolic event or occlusion of major arteries. The factors responsible for the acute onset of symptoms are unknown. Since the initial description in 1965, only 170 cases have been described, including 126 initial episodes and 44 episodes of recurrence, with a mean age at presentation of 45 years (range 20 to 67 years). Most of the patients have other microvascular complications. Characteristic symptoms at presentation include acute onset unilateral lower limb pain and swelling, most often in the thigh, without a history of trauma. Bilateral involvement is present in approximately 30% of the cases. Fever has been reported only in about 10% of cases. CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old female presented with ten days history of fever, left groin pain and inability to walk. Other than chronic fatigue, her review of symptoms was mostly negative. She denied any trauma. She had a history of poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus (HbA1c 10.5%) with diabetic nephropathy (proteinuria),but no evidence of retinopathy or neuropathy. On examination, her left groin and proximal thigh were warm and tender to palpation without noticeable erythema or swelling. Labs showed elevated inflammatory markers. CT scan showed inguinal and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy with subcutaneous edema of the visualized left lower extremity. Fevers persisted despite appropriate administration of antibiotics for cellulitis. Infectious workup was negative. A biopsy of her inguinal lymph node showed reactive changes. MRI of her left thigh showed large, confluent areas of intramuscular hypo enhancement compatible with diabetic myonecrosis. Her symptoms improved over the next 3-4 weeks with supportive care. DISCUSSION: Spontaneous diabetic myonecrosis is a very rare complication of uncontrolled diabetes. Knowledge about his condition is required to make the correct diagnosis and avoid the use of unnecessary laboratory tests and treatments. The presence of the characteristic clinical features such as pain and swelling in typically affected areas such as the thigh, will frequently suggest the diagnosis. MRI with intravenous contrast enhancement is the diagnostic imaging of choice and shows increased signal on T2-weighted images from muscle edema and areas of non-enhancement from myonecrosis. Treatment involves symptomatic management with rest, optimal glycemic control, analgesia, and low-dose aspirin, although the optimal treatment approach is uncertain. The short-term prognosis is good, but the recurrence rate remains high and long-term prognosis is poor given underlying poorly controlled diabetes. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.