Document Detail


Gitelman's syndrome: A RARE PRESENTATION MIMICKING CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21282770     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
We describe a case of bilateral weakness of the lower limbs, sensory disturbance and intermittent urinary incontinence, secondary to untreated Gitelman's syndrome, in a 42-year-old female who was referred with presumed cauda equina syndrome. On examination, the power of both legs was uniformly reduced, and the perianal and lower-limb sensation was altered. However, MRI of the lumbar spine was normal. Measurements of serum and urinary potassium were low and blood gas analysis revealed metabolic alkalosis. Her symptoms resolved following potassium replacement. We emphasise the importance of measurement of the plasma and urinary levels of electrolytes in the investigation of patients with paralysis of the lower limbs and suggest that they, together with blood gas analysis, allow the exclusion of unusual causes of muscle weakness resulting from metabolic disorders such as metabolic alkalosis.
Authors:
C S Quinlan; J C Walsh; A-M Moran; C Moran; S K O'Rourke
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume     Volume:  93     ISSN:  0301-620X     ISO Abbreviation:  J Bone Joint Surg Br     Publication Date:  2011 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-02-01     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0375355     Medline TA:  J Bone Joint Surg Br     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  266-8     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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