Persistent hypokalaemia and intermittent muscle weakness

Pract Neurol. 2022 Dec;22(6):518-520. doi: 10.1136/pn-2022-003433. Epub 2022 Jul 30.

Abstract

A man in his 20s gave a 9-year history of recurrent muscle pain and weakness, occurring mostly after exercise, and lasting for up to 2 days. There had been one episode of severe rhabdomyolysis after cold exposure. He also had longstanding hypokalaemia, which was key to his correct diagnosis but was not followed. This case highlights the importance of an appropriately methodical investigation of weak hypokalaemic patients, and the relevance of hypokalaemia as a cause of neuromuscular symptoms not related to muscular channelopathies.

Keywords: ION TRANSPORT; RENAL MEDICINE.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hypokalemia* / complications
  • Male
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Paresis
  • Rhabdomyolysis* / etiology