Flaccid quadriparesis associated with Yersinia enterocolitis-induced hypokalemia.
A 23-year-old woman presented with diarrhea, flaccid quadriparesis, a low serum potassium level, and an elevated creatine kinase level. A stool culture yielded Yersinia enterocolitica, and a muscle biopsy was compatible with a hypokalemic myopathy. The patient's diarrhea responded to sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim therapy. We suggest that Y enterocolitica be added to the group of intestinal pathogens capable of producing hypokalemia and rhabdomyolysis.
Orman
R A
RA
Department of Medicine, Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis, TN 38146.
Lewis
J B
JB
D000328:Adult; D004760:Enterocolitis / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000209:etiology*; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000209:etiology; D015009:Yersinia Infections / Q000150:complications*; D015008:Yersinia enterocolitica / Q000302:isolation & purification