A rare cause of rhabdomyolysis: Gitelman syndrome

Ali Kemal Kadiroglu,Ali Veysel Kara,Erdal Bodakci,Mehmet Emin Yilmaz,Vehbi Demircan,Yaşar Yildirim,Zulfikar Yilmaz

doi:10.5348/ijcri-2015100-cr-10561

Abstract

Introduction: Gitelman syndrome is a rare and autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, hypocalciuria and hypertension. A careful history, physical examination and determination of urine chloride concentration are important for diagnosis. In this case report, we discuss a patient with hypokalemia and rhabdomyolysis which is diagnosed as Gitelman syndrome.

Highlights

Gitelman syndrome is a rare and autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, hypocalciuria and hypertension
We discuss a patient with hypokalemia and rhabdomyolysis which is diagnosed as Gitelman syndrome
Spironolactone, magnesium citrate was started in addition to intravenous potassium chloride after the patient was diagnosed as Gitelman syndrome

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Gitelman syndrome is a rare and autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, hypocalciuria and hypertension [1, 2]. Other causes of hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis especially vomiting and diuretic usage must be excluded before the diagnosis of Gitelman syndrome. Genetic testing is important for diagnosis but not widely used In this case report, we discuss a patient with hypokalemia and rhabdomyolysis which is diagnosed as Gitelman syndrome. There were four main causes to explain hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis and elevated urine chloride level. Hypomagnesemia, hypocalciuria, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis and high plasma renin activity (195.6 ng/ml/hour) was detected and patient was diagnosed as Gitelman syndrome. Clinical and laboratory findings of the patient were improved progressively and patient was discharged with normal laboratory findings

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION