Case Report

Profound Muscle Weakness and Hypokalemia Due to Clay Ingestion

Authors: HARRY W. SEVERANCE JR. MD, THOMAS HOLT MD, PhD, NICHOLAS A. PATRONE MD, LYNNE CHAPMAN MD

Abstract

SUMMARYWe have presented the case of a 43-year-old woman with severe myositis due to clay ingestion and hypokalemia. EMG studies revealed a pattern consistent with myositis, and muscle biopsy showed a nonspecific diffuse myositis. The clay was shown to act as a potassium binder. With potassium replacement and discontinuance of clay ingestion, the symptoms and signs abated and laboratory values returned to normal.

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References