ABSTRACT
Chorea gravidarum (CG) is a rare movement disorder characterized by rapid, irregular randomly distributed involuntary movements during pregnancy. Similar to Sydenham chorea, psychiatric symptoms may be observed in cases of CG. CG may be idiopathic or secondary to an underlying cause. One of the most common causes of CG is antiphospholipid syndrome. Herein we present a case of recurrent CG that was considered to be due to antiphospholipid syndrome. The patient had a history of 3 pregnancy losses and her fourth pregnancy was treated appropriately, resulting in the birth of healthy full-term baby. During the patient's first pregnancy CG was accompanied by psychotic symptoms and was misdiagnosed as conversion disorder.
Subject(s)
Antiphospholipid Syndrome/diagnosis , Chorea Gravidarum/diagnosis , Adult , Antiphospholipid Syndrome/psychology , Chorea Gravidarum/psychology , Conversion Disorder/diagnosis , Conversion Disorder/psychology , Diagnosis, Differential , Diagnostic Errors , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Outcome , Prenatal Diagnosis , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , RecurrenceABSTRACT
A pregnant woman, in her early 20s, presents with chorea following an emotional outburst. While the family members feel it to be a spirit haunting her, we try to establish the medical diagnosis of the present condition. There is a history of rheumatic fever in the past and examination reveals choreioathetoid jerky movements of her upper limbs with jerky speech, spooning of her limbs and demonstration of milkmaid's grip. Laboratory investigations did not reveal anything interesting. We discuss the diagnosis and management of this patient.
