J Pediatr Intensive Care 2018; 07(03): 166-168
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1624569
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pseudohyperkalemia in a Patient with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Hyperleukocytosis

Madison Merritt
1   Department of Pediatrics, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
,
Hannah Kline
2   MS4 USC School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina, United States
,
Sudha Garimella
1   Department of Pediatrics, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
3   Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina, United States
,
Robert Seigler
1   Department of Pediatrics, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
4   Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina, United States
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.
Further Information

Publication History

27 September 2017

20 December 2017

Publication Date:
01 February 2018 (online)

Abstract

A 7-year-old girl presented with lymphadenopathy and bruising suggestive of leukemia. Complete blood count was significant for white blood cell count of 479,000/mm3. Basic metabolic panel sent via pneumatic tube system was significant for potassium > 10 mEq/L. The stat venous blood gas potassium level was 4.6 mEq/L. A 12-lead-ECG showed sinus tachycardia without peaked T-waves. It was determined that this was pseudohyperkalemia associated with significant hyperleukocytosis. This brief report discusses rare causes of pseudohyperkalemia that can be overlooked, and details the postulated mechanisms for pseudohyperkalemia in the setting of hyperleukocytosis.

 
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