Flaccid quadriparesis associated with Yersinia enterocolitis-induced hypokalemia

Arch Intern Med. 1989 May;149(5):1193-4.

Abstract

A 23-year-old woman presented with diarrhea, flaccid quadriparesis, a low serum potassium level, and an elevated creatine kinase level. A stool culture yielded Yersinia enterocolitica, and a muscle biopsy was compatible with a hypokalemic myopathy. The patient's diarrhea responded to sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim therapy. We suggest that Y enterocolitica be added to the group of intestinal pathogens capable of producing hypokalemia and rhabdomyolysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Enterocolitis / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypokalemia / etiology*
  • Paralysis / etiology*
  • Rhabdomyolysis / etiology
  • Yersinia Infections / complications*
  • Yersinia enterocolitica / isolation & purification