A Case of Thiazide-induced Hypokalemic Paralysis

Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med. 2019 May 20;3(3):211-214. doi: 10.5811/cpcem.2019.3.42062. eCollection 2019 Aug.

Abstract

We describe the case of a patient presenting with odd neurologic symptoms initially thought to represent somatization who was found to have critical hypokalemia manifesting as hypokalemic non-periodic paralysis. It was determined that the patient had baseline hypokalemia as a function of alcohol abuse, exacerbated by self overmedication with hydrochlorothiazide for elevated blood pressure readings at home. The diagnosis was suspected when an electrocardiogram was obtained demonstrating a pseudo-prolonged QT interval with ST depression, consistent with T-U wave fusion and a QU interval with an absent T wave.1 The patient received oral and intravenous potassium and magnesium supplementation with resolution of symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports