title: Pseudohyperkalaemia: a rare complication of splenectomy.
abstract: Pseudohyperkalaemia is an uncommon and frequently unrecognised biochemical abnormality. It occurs as a consequence of aggregation and lysis of platelets in vitro. As a result, potassium is released, which causes an elevated serum concentration. We present the case of a 21-year-old man with a traumatic splenic injury necessitating laparotomy and splenectomy. Following surgery he developed hyperkalaemia. Further investigations diagnosed pseudohyperkalaemia, one of the causes of which is thrombocytosis secondary to splenectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Causeway Hospital , Coleraine, Antrim, Northern Ireland , UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Causeway Hospital , Coleraine, Antrim, Northern Ireland , UK.
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Skelly
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia; D008297:Male; D013154:Spleen / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Hyperkalaemia; Pseudohyperkalaemia; Spleen; Splenectomy; Splenic injury