RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Hypokalemia-associated catastrophic rhabdomyolysis in ulcerative colitis JF Saudi Medical Journal JO Saudi Med J FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City SP 1225 OP 1227 VO 30 IS 9 A1 Plamen G. Tzvetanov YR 2009 UL http://smj.org.sa/content/30/9/1225.abstract AB A case of catastrophic hypokalemia-associated rhabdomyolysis in patient with ulcerative colitis (UC) is reported. A 60-year-old man presented with an exacerbation of UC and hypokalemia due to long-term diarrhea. While in the hospital, rhabdomyolysis developed in association with worsening hypokalemia. The hypokalemia was refractory to treatment and progressive course. Patient developed painful cramps of the masticatory and facial musculature associated with a moderated weakness in distal muscle groups. The weakness extended to intercostals and diaphragm muscles and led to respiratory deficiency. Serum concentration of creatine kinase was highly increased. Patient died from advancing and insurmountable cardiovascular deficiency. The causative role of hypokalemia for muscle involvement and rhabdomyolysis in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases was discussed.