Hypokalemic myopathy during treatment with diuretics

Two male patients with severe reversible muscle weakness and excessive potassium deficiency associated with alkalosis during treatment with diuretics are presented. The case reports are further illustrated by the morphologic changes as seen in light and electron microscopic examination of muscle biopsies. Hypokalemia and muscle dysfunction are discussed in relation to other investigations of altered potassium metabolism and myopathy during treatment with certain diuretics.