Hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis: an unusual presentation of Sjogren's syndrome

Abstract

Hypokalaemic rhabdomyolysis represents a medical emergency requiring rapid diagnosis and appropriate aetiological treatment. Renal tubular acidosis is a common cause of hypokalemia which can be idiopathic or secondary to systemic disorders such as Sjogren's syndrome. It can remain asymptomatic or manifest with metabolic abnormalities including hypokalemia paralysis, hypocalcaemia and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Rhabdomyolysis presenting with severe hypokalemia as the first manifestation of Sjogren's syndrome is rare. We report a case of a 59-year-old woman who presented to our department with severe weakness of all limbs. Laboratory examination demonstrated hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis caused by distal renal tubular acidosis. Investigations revealed Sjogren's syndrome as the underlying cause of the metabolic disorders.