Hyperkalaemic paralysis presenting as ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Hyperkalaemic paralysis due to renal failure is a rare but potentially life threatening event.


METHODS
We present a patient who had sudden onset ascending flaccid paralysis. The EMS first diagnosis was acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction based on an EKG. In the emergency room (ER) due to careful history taking, serum electrolytes and repeat EKG a correct diagnosis was made and both hyperkalemia and paralysis were treated on time.


CONCLUSIONS
Hyperkalaemic paralysis is rare. One must keep it in the back of the mind especially in the case of renal failure patients to avoid misdiagnosing a rapidly fatal but yet completely reversible condition.
Coney Island Hospital/Maimonides Medical Center, 2601 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11235, USA. suriyakbrsj@yahoo.com.
Suriya
S
Jayawardena
Olga
O
Burzyantseva
Sanjay
S
Shetty
Selvanayagam
S
Niranjan
Ashoke
A
Khanna