Toluene Toxicity: A Case Report of Transdermal Exposure Causing Hypokalemic Paralysis

Hypokalemia is a common finding. Typically asymptomatic presentations of neuromuscular weakness emerge at levels below 2.5 mmol/L. Causes include gastrointestinal losses, renal losses, or intracellular shift, with gastrointestinal losses and diuretics accounting for the majority. Although the cause is often apparent on clinical assessment, a systematic approach incorporating urine biochemistry can aid in narrowing the differential in obscure cases.

We describe a case of a previously healthy 27-year-old man who presented with acute ascending paralysis, with an associated severe hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis. There were no apparent causes on clinical assessment.

Based on analysis of urine biochemistry, we concluded that a pathologic kaluresis was present, and given his acidemia and transient pathology, we diagnosed the patient with hypokalemic paralysis secondary to toluene toxicity.

We provided supportive care and electrolyte repletion for our patient; no specific therapies for toluene were required. Our patient was counseled regarding appropriate protective measures when handling toluene.

Complete neurologic recovery and biochemical normalization occurred within 48 hours of presentation with supportive care. He continued to use proper precautions when handling toluene, and experienced no symptom relapse, or further abnormalities on both blood and urine chemistry.

Using this case, we review an algorithmic approach incorporating urine biochemistries to aid in the workup of hypokalemia. We review toluene as a toxicologic entity and highlight its role as a cause of hypokalemia.