Spontaneous conversion of atrial fibrillation caused by severe hyperkalemia: A case report. Issue 15 (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yan, Lihua; Jiang, Tingbo; Yang, Xiangjun; Xu, Mingzhu
• Other Names: NA. section editor.
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 97:Issue 15(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: arterial thrombosis -- hyperkalemia -- sinoventricular conduction -- spontaneous defibrillation; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Geneeskunde; Medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000010442
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-7974

Abstract

Abstract: Rationale: Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening electrolyte disturbance which could lead to arrhythmias and potentially death. Patient concerns: An 82-year-old male patient who presented typical electrocardiographic indications of hyperkalemia, including the absence of P waves, prolongation of QRS complex, sinoventricular conduction, bradyarrhythmia and tall peaked T waves. He developed a rare self-defibrillation of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm due to hyperkalemia. Besides, he developed secondary thrombosis caused by abrupt termination of atrial fibrillation. Diagnoses: This patient was diagnosed with hyperkalemia, hypertension, and AF. Interventions: He was treated with an intravenous infusion of calcium gluconate, insulin and dextrose, an oral kayexalate, and emergency hemodialysis. Outcomes: The patient was managed effectively and discharged with stable status. Lessons: Hyperkalemia could induce malignant arrhythmia with high mortality. Thus we suggested more attention be paid to monitoring electrolyte disorders and maintaining anticoagulation treatments to avoid thromboembolism.