Open AccessThe McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome: A rare case with a complex acid-base disorder
Author(s) -
Pietro Formagnana,
Marianna Piombo,
C. Caccia Dominioni,
Giulia Gori,
Michele Santoro,
Ivo Casagranda
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
emergency care journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2282-2054
pISSN - 1826-9826
DOI - 10.4081/ecj.2018.7703
Subject(s) - medicine , diarrhea , gastroenterology , presentation (obstetrics) , electrolyte disorder , acid–base imbalance , pediatrics , surgery , hyponatremia
McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome is a rare condition characterized by secretory diarrhea due to villous adenoma of the colon, acute renal failure, dehydration, electrolyte and acid-base disorders. Diagnosis requires high suspicion especially when the presentation is unusual. Although potentially fatal for its complications, if promptly diagnosed and treated it is completely reversible. We present a case of a 67-year-old man who presented with syncope and diarrhea. On admission arterial blood gas test showed a complex acid-base disorder that led clinicians to further investigations and to point out a correct diagnosis.