| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2763007 | Journal of Clinical Anesthesia | 2010 | 4 Pages |
Abstract
A 48 year-old man with hepatitis C and cirrhosis was admitted for laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of a large hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient's renal function tests and serum potassium level were all within normal limits. About 120 minutes into the procedure, the patient developed sudden, wide-complex tachycardia. Initial blood tests showed serum and plasma potassium level of 7 mEq/L, but no other abnormalities. The thermal destruction of large tumors during radiofrequency ablation may be associated with extensive cell breakdown and transcellular shift of potassium.
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Authors
Julia Metzner, Jennifer L. Evans, Karen B. Domino,