Hypokalaemic rhabdomyolysis: an unusual presentation of coeliac disease.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical presentation and management of a patient with hypokalaemic rhabdomyolysis secondary to coeliac disease.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Hospital based.

PATIENT: A 60-year-old Caucasian man presenting with weakness caused by hypokalaemic rhabdomyolysis secondary to coeliac disease.

INTERVENTIONS: Following the diagnosis by jejunal biopsy, the patient was treated with both intravenous and oral potassium supplements, and a gluten-free diet.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Resolution of weakness and restitution of normal villous architecture following treatment.

RESULTS

The patient's myopathy responded to the potassium supplements, his diarrhoea and histological changes resolved while on the gluten-free diet.

CONCLUSION

Patients with coeliac disease may present with hypokalaemia in association with steatorrhoea. If potassium loss is rapid, rhabdomyolysis may occur. Coeliac disease should be considered a cause of malabsorption-induced hypokalaemic rhabdomyolysis.