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Severe Hypokalemia Causing Ventricular Tachycardia: A Case Report
Katharine Pula1, Kedar N Patel1, Robert P Briggs1
1Department of Emergency and Hospital Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network/University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Allentown, USA.
Cureus
|February 23, 2023
Summary
Hypokalemia and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) are critical, potentially fatal conditions. Prompt identification and treatment are crucial for managing these reversible disorders and preventing severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hypokalemia and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) are serious, potentially fatal conditions requiring urgent medical attention.
- Early recognition and intervention are key to managing these reversible disorders.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old patient presented with altered mental status, neurological deficits, and EKG abnormalities.
- Symptoms included nausea, vomiting, polydipsia, weight loss, tachycardia, and tachypnea.
- Lab results indicated hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma.
Findings:
- Cardiac EKG abnormalities and focal neurological deficits can arise from hyperosmolarity and electrolyte imbalances.
- Hypokalemia can lead to EKG changes mimicking ischemic disease, potentially progressing to ventricular fibrillation.
- Hyperosmolar hyperglycemia may present with focal neurological deficits without a classic coma presentation.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering electrolyte abnormalities and hyperosmolarity in patients with neurological and cardiac symptoms.
- Careful evaluation of EKG findings and laboratory values in conjunction with clinical presentation can reveal treatable causes.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of hypokalemia and HHS are vital for patient outcomes.
Keywords:
electrolyte abnormalityhyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndromehypokalemianeurological deficitstorsade de pointesventricular tachycardiawide-complex tachycardiaMore Related Videos
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