Pneumatic Tube-Induced Reverse Pseudohyperkalemia in a Patient With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common hematologic malignancy.
• Reverse pseudohyperkalemia is a rare condition characterized by falsely elevated serum potassium levels.
• Accurate potassium measurement is critical for patient management, especially in patients with hematologic disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a case of reverse pseudohyperkalemia in a patient with CLL.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by falsely elevated potassium levels in this clinical context.
• To emphasize the importance of laboratory investigation in managing pseudohyperkalemia.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing the clinical presentation and laboratory findings.
• Review of relevant literature on reverse pseudohyperkalemia and CLL.

Main Results:

• The patient with CLL presented with laboratory values indicating hyperkalemia.
• Further investigation revealed that the elevated potassium levels were artefactual, consistent with reverse pseudohyperkalemia.
• This artefact complicated the initial assessment and potential treatment decisions.

Conclusions:

• Reverse pseudohyperkalemia can complicate the management of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
• Careful laboratory evaluation is essential to differentiate true hyperkalemia from pseudohyperkalemia.
• Prompt identification of pseudohyperkalemia prevents unnecessary and potentially harmful interventions.