Infantile cerebral infarction caused by severe diabetic ketoacidosis in new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Infants and children with new-onset T1DM may present with DKA, and the risk of cerebral edema is high in infantile DKA. What is new? Neurological deterioration during an episode of DKA is usually attributed to cerebral edema and cerebrovascular accidents. However, cerebral infarction is a very rare complication in infantile DKA. Case presentation We describe a rare case of infantile cerebral infarction caused by severe DKA in a patient with new-onset T1DM. Conclusions Cerebral infarction is an important intracranial complication in infantile DKA. Careful observation and treatment for DKA during the first 24 h of therapy are necessary in infants with new-onset T1DM because the risk of cerebral infarction is highest during this timeframe.