Persistent hyperlactataemia: a case report of Mauriac syndrome at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, South Africa

Abstract

Mauriac syndrome is a rare and potentially reversible complication of poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus. This case report details the presentation of a patient at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, South Africa, who, over 8 years, presented with clinical features of Mauriac syndrome and persistent hyperlactatemia. The case highlights the association between socioeconomic factors and poor glycaemic control in resource limited settings, emphasising the importance of early recognition and multidisciplinary management. A limited number of described cases were found in the literature, but to the present authors’ knowledge, no such cases have been published from South Africa. Evolving insights into the pathophysiology, prevalence, and reversibility of this syndrome are discussed, as well as highlighting the association with hyperlactataemia. While considered rare, Mauriac syndrome may be under-recognised and this underscores the need for tailored interventions to improve diabetes care and prevent long-term complications in vulnerable populations.