Cardiac arrest due to lymphocytic colitis: a case report

Area of Science:

• Internal Medicine
• Cardiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Presents a rare case of cardiac arrest triggered by hypokalemia.
• Hypokalemia was a direct consequence of lymphocytic colitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical link between severe diarrhea and electrolyte imbalances.
• To emphasize the potential for hypokalemia to cause cardiac arrest.
• To underscore the importance of electrolyte monitoring in patients with severe diarrhea.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 69-year-old male diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis.
• Detailed description of the patient's cardiac arrest event, resuscitation efforts, and diagnostic findings.
• Analysis of arterial blood gas and electrolyte levels, specifically potassium.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced a witnessed cardiac arrest with recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
• Arterial blood gas revealed severe hypokalemia (2.0 mmol/L) and acidosis (pH 6.86).
• Correction of potassium levels resolved the ventricular tachyarrhythmias, and the patient recovered without neurological deficit.

Conclusions:

• Severe diarrhea, as seen in lymphocytic colitis, can lead to significant potassium loss.
• Hypokalemia is a potentially fatal complication of severe diarrhea, capable of inducing cardiac arrest.
• Clinicians must consider electrolyte monitoring in patients presenting with severe diarrhea.