Severe metabolic alkalosis-a diagnostic dilemma

We describe a case of severe metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia in a patient with Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic ACTH secretion from small cell lung cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first case identified which exhibited such significant metabolic derangements in the form of serum and arterial blood bicarbonate. As prognosis is quite poor, we recommend swift diagnosis and management.