Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis Secondary to Medullary Sponge Kidney Complicated With Renal Tubular Acidosis

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis has a high risk of life-threatening dysrhythmias. Hyperchloremic acidosis with hypokalemia is a dangerous condition. There are several causes of hypokalemia, in addition to common diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, hyperaldosteronism, and Cushing's syndrome; the other rare diseases include renal tubular acidosis (RTA), Bartter's syndrome, and Gitelman's syndrome. We present an unusual case of hypokalemic periodic paralysis, which was caused by a medullary sponge kidney with distal RTA. The patient had no significant medical history and was not taking any conventional drugs. Investigations demonstrated a combination of hypokalemia, hyperchloremia, metabolic acidosis with a normal anion gap, relatively raised urinary pH, and decreased phosphate level. Results suggested a diagnosis of RTA with secondary hyperparathyroidism. After potassium citrate replacement and correction of acidosis, the patient's condition was in remission. This case highlights the rare etiology of hypokalemia and the need to actively search for the pathogenesis of unexplained hypokalemia to avoid delaying the condition.

Automated summary

We report an unusual case of hypokalemic periodic paralysis caused by medullary sponge kidney with distal RTA. Active search for the etiology of unexplained hypokalemia is necessary.