Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND:Hyperkalaemic paralysis due to renal failure is a rare but potentially life threatening event. CASE PRESENTATION/METHODS:We present a patient who had sudden onset ascending flaccid paralysis. The EMS first diagnosis was acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction based on an EKG. In the emergency room (ER) due to careful history taking, serum electrolytes and repeat EKG a correct diagnosis was made and both hyperkalemia and paralysis were treated on time. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Hyperkalaemic paralysis is rare. One must keep it in the back of the mind especially in the case of renal failure patients to avoid misdiagnosing a rapidly fatal but yet completely reversible condition.