HYPOKALEMIC RHABDOMYOLYSIS - AN UNUSUAL PRESENTATION OF CELIAC-DISEASE

Objective: To describe the clinical presentation and management of a p atient with hypokalaemic rhabdomyolysis secondary to coeliac disease. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Hospital based. Patient: A 60-ye ar-old Caucasian man presenting with weakness caused by hypokalaemic r habdomyolysis secondary to coeliac disease. Interventions: Following t he diagnosis by jejunal biopsy, the patient was treated with both intr avenous and oral potassium supplements, and a gluten-free diet. Outcom e measures: Resolution of weakness and restitution of normal villous a rchitecture following treatment. Results: The patient's myopathy respo nded to the potassium supplements, his diarrhoea and histological chan ges resolved while on the gluten-free diet. Conclusion: Patients with coeliac disease may present with hypokalaemia in association with stea torrhoea. If potassium loss is rapid, rhabdomyolysis may occur. Coelia c disease should be considered a cause of malabsorption-induced hypoka laemic rhabdomyolysis.