Hypokalemic paralysis associated with cystic disease of the kidney: case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Severe hypokalemia is known to cause muscle paralysis, and renal tubular acidosis is a recognized cause. Cystic disease of the kidney is associated with severe hypokalemia. Case presentation We report a 33-year-old male patient who presented with generalized limb weakness caused by severe hypokalemia due to renal tubular acidosis, who was found to have renal medullary cysts. Conclusion The association of cystic renal disease with hypokalemia, and the possible pathophysiological basis of the development of renal cysts in patients with severe hypokalemia, are discussed.

Keywords

• hypokalemia
• renal tubular acidosis
• medullary cystic kidney
• renal cysts