Korean J Med.  2016 Jun;90(6):542-544. 10.3904/kjm.2016.90.6.542.

Consumption of an Excessive Amount of Ionic Beverage Can Trigger Adrenal Adenoma - Induced Severe Hypokalemic Rhabdomyolysis

• Han JH
• Choi YH
• Jeong H
• Yoon IC
• Choi HJ
• Choi HM
• Oh DJ

• KMID: 2218779
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2016.90.6.542

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis results from acute damage to skeletal muscles caused by various conditions, of which hypokalemia is a recognized but rare example. Although primary aldosteronism may cause severe hypokalemia leading to rhabdomyolysis, the potassium level of such patients can be within the normal range. Hypokalemia is most frequently triggered when these patients are exposed to an additional insult, such as diuretic stress. Similarly, overzealous consumption of ionic beverages with osmotic diuretic effects can cause hypokalemia. Here, we describe a patient with an aldosterone-secreting adrenal adenoma, who presented with acute rhabdomyolysis secondary to severe hypokalemia triggered by consumption of a large volume of ionic beverage for 3 weeks.

Keyword

Rhabdomyolysis; Diuresis; Hypokalemia; Adrenocortical adenoma

MeSH Terms

Adenoma*
Adrenocortical Adenoma
Beverages*
Diuresis
Diuretics
Humans
Hyperaldosteronism
Hypokalemia
Muscle, Skeletal
Potassium
Reference Values
Rhabdomyolysis*
Diuretics
Potassium