Case report: potassium of 10 milligrams per cent.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Urology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Recurrent prostatitis can lead to complications such as acute urinary retention.
• Hyperkalemia is a serious condition that can be exacerbated by urinary retention and other factors.

Observation:

• An 82-year-old male patient presented with acute urinary retention secondary to recurrent prostatitis.
• The patient experienced three episodes of severe hyperkalemia, with blood potassium levels reaching 10 mg/dL.
• Electrocardiogram findings were consistent with hyperkalemia.

Findings:

• Intravenous therapy and conservative management successfully resolved the hyperkalemia and urinary retention.
• The patient's condition stabilized, allowing for subsequent transurethral resection of the prostate three weeks post-hospitalization.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical link between urinary retention, prostatitis, and the potential for life-threatening hyperkalemia.
• Early recognition and management of hyperkalemia in patients with urinary obstruction are crucial for patient outcomes.
• Prostate surgery may be a necessary subsequent step in managing underlying prostatic issues contributing to retention and electrolyte imbalances.