Upper limb ischemia induced by chronic licorice ingestion

A young woman had an acute embolic episode that affected her right upper li mb. An axillo-brachial thromboembolectomy was performed after which distal pulses were recovered. The patient had a long lasting history, longer than ten years, of continuous Licorice ingestion. Blood samples showed severe hy pokaliemia that caused EKG changes. Transesophageal echocardiogram discover ed mild mitral valve prolapse. The combination of surgery and potassium sup plements was successful in treating this rare and potentially life-threaten ing disease.