Life-Threatening Hypokalemic Quadriparesis in a Patient with Acute Appendicitis

Acute hypokalemic paralysis is a reversible but potentially lethal clinical condition. We report a case of sudden onset of quadriparesis postoperatively following laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis. On evaluation, he was found to have hypokalemia with normal sodium and chloride levels. This severe hypokalemia-induced quadriparesis was precipitated by pre-op vomiting, loose stools, and repeated loose stools in the postoperative period. Quadriparesis typically recovered when potassium levels returned to normal. Management plan includes appropriate diagnosis and potassium replacement.