Diabetes Care, Vol 9, Issue 6 623-630, Copyright © 1986 by American Diabetes Association
Focal infarction of muscle in diabetics
CS Chester and BQ Banker
Diabetic patients may develop a painful mass in the leg as a manifestation
of spontaneous infarction of muscle. Experience with six patients with
focal infarction of muscle without peripheral gangrene has demonstrated a
stereotyped clinical presentation. The use of an open muscle biopsy to
confirm the diagnosis has been associated with increased signs and
symptoms. Clinical exacerbations occur during vigorous physical therapy. We
delineate the characteristic clinical and pathologic findings and the
course of the illness with emphasis on the importance of recognition of the
syndrome so that biopsy and overzealous therapy are avoided.