Diabetic muscle infarction: rare complication with a distinct clinical manifestation

Abstract

Diabetic muscle infarction is an unusual condition with distinctive clinical characteristics seen in patients with prolonged and uncontrolled diabetes. Clinical findings and imaging study are unique and challenging. Patients usually present with acute unilateral severe muscular pain and swelling, particularly in the lower extremities. The presentation is difficult to distinguish from other common conditions such as deep venous thrombosis and infectious myositis. However, early recognition of the clinical presentation and appropriate imaging selection can lead to the diagnosis and avoid unnecessary muscle biopsy. Here, we report a case of diabetic muscle infarction in a patient with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes who had a good clinical response after an early detection and appropriate treatment.