Liquorice-induced hypokalaemia and water retention in the absence of hypertension

Abstract

This is a case report of a woman who showed headache, weakness, upper-limb edema and a generalized convulsive seizure after chronic ingestion of liquorice. She was taking oral contraceptives which can predispose to liquorice toxicity. Plasma potassium, aldosterone, renin activity and albumin were below the normal level. The abdominal echography and computerized tomography scan demonstrated a perihepatic and perisplenic thin liquid layer with liquid collection in the pelvis. The bioelectrical impedance suggested a hyperhydration state. After stopping the liquorice, the laboratory and bioelectrical values normalized and clinical upper-limb edema and the liquid in the abdomen disappeared in a few days.