Abstract
Background
Rhabdomyolysis, usually in the setting of trauma or drug use, is frequently seen in
the emergency setting, and often leads to hyperkalemia at presentation. Hypokalemia,
however, is a potentially underrecognized cause of rhabdomyolysis.
Case Report
We present a case of rhabdomyolysis likely due to hypokalemia in the setting of short
bowel syndrome.
Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?
Although less common, hypokalemia can be a significant cause of rhabdomyolysis via
its effects on muscle. This scenario should be considered in the differential diagnosis
of patients at risk for hypokalemia who present with weakness. Rapid recognition of
this relationship and rapid correction of hypokalemia may prove very important in
preventing the deleterious effects of rhabdomyolysis.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 10, 2015
Accepted:
December 21,
2014
Received in revised form:
October 21,
2014
Received:
July 2,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
