Pyroglutamic acidosis: an unusual cause of metabolic acidosis in a malnourished patient

Abstract

SummaryA 38‐year‐old man presented with confusion, breathlessness and marked metabolic derangement. His management necessitated the involvement of multiple specialties and led to a diagnosis of pyroglutamic acidosis secondary to chronic paracetamol use in a malnourished patient. The value of the corrected anion gap in metabolic acidosis and the mechanism and treatment of pyroglutamic acidosis are discussed. Treatment to correct metabolic abnormalities may be required before being able to illicit the correct diagnosis.