Case Report: Drug induced hyperkalemia presenting as acute flaccid quadriparesis

Abstract

Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening dyselectrolytemia that commonly affects cardiac conductivity and contractility. Ascending paralysis affecting the extremities associated with hyperkalemia is not commonly seen. Here we report a case of flaccid quadriparesis in a patient who was taking potassium sparing diuretic for cardiac disease. An electrocardiogram showed typical signs of hyperkalemia. The patient was administered antihyperkalemic measures, which led to a dramatic improvement in symptoms. Hyperkalemic paralysis is a completely reversible emergency condition and should always be considered when dealing with acute onset flaccid paralysis.