Fatal Type B Lactic Acidosis Associated With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Case Report With Review of Literature, Pathogenesis, and Treatment. (17th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gharia, Bharatsinh; Seegobin, Karan; Mahida, Hetavi; Shaikh, Marwan; Matthews Hew, Trevanne; Pham, Dat
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative medicine high impact case reports. Volume 6(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-07-17
• Subjects: colorectal cancer -- lactic acidosis -- literature review; Internal medicine -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; 616.005
• DOI: 10.1177/2324709618788101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2324-7096

Abstract

Type B lactic acidosis associated with malignancy is a life-threatening complication and mostly seen in hematological malignancies but can also be seen in solid tumors. We report a rare case of a 64-year-old female diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the colon with liver metastasis associated with severe type B lactic acidosis. We discuss pathophysiology, previously reported cases, and their outcomes. The most widely used therapies are bicarbonate infusion, thiamine supplementation, chemotherapy, and supportive care but is associated with poor outcomes, and no standard treatment recommendations are available. Early chemotherapy administration remains the only intervention that has shown some survival benefit. Physicians should be aware and proactive for early diagnosis and management of this condition with further research needed to guide optimal therapy.