Diabetic Ketoacidosis Complicated by a Brain Death

Abstract

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Cerebral edema (CE) can complicate DKA management. We report a patient with no significant medical history who presented with DKA and a new-onset DM; she received the standard management with regular insulin and IV fluids, the management resulted in a rapid drop in serum osmolality, the patient`s mental status deteriorated and became nonresponsive, brain imaging confirmed CE, a few days later the patient was declared brain dead by neurology. This case highlights the importance of gradual correction of hyperosmolar conditions including hyperglycemia and urges all healthcare providers to closely trend glucose levels in the management of DKA.