[Secondary hyperkalaemic acute flaccid tetraplegia]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Neurology

Background:

• Chronic renal failure and vascular diseases are common comorbidities.
• Acute flaccid tetraplegia is a rare but serious neurological presentation.

Observation:

• A 57-year-old male patient with chronic renal failure presented with acute flaccid tetraplegia.
• Laboratory tests revealed severe hyperkalemia (serum potassium 9.69 mmol/l).
• Brain and medullar MRI scans were unremarkable.

Findings:

• Correction of severe hyperkalemia resulted in rapid and complete neurological recovery.
• The clinical presentation and response to treatment confirmed secondary hyperkalemic tetraplegia.

Implications:

• This case highlights severe hyperkalemia as a reversible cause of acute flaccid tetraplegia.
• It underscores the importance of monitoring potassium levels in patients with chronic renal failure.
• Early diagnosis and management of hyperkalemia are crucial for neurological recovery.