Acquired pyloric stenosis resulting in hypokalaemic, hyperchloraemic normal anion gap metabolic acidosis. Persistent vomiting in an adult: cause and effect. 2018

Philip Kaye
Department of Emergency, Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK.

A 24-year-old woman presented with a history of persistent vomiting for at least 3 months. This resulted in severe dehydration with risk of acute kidney injury. In addition to volume depletion, loss of gastric fluid resulted in a specific metabolic derangement-hypokalaemic, hypochloraemic normal anion gap metabolic alkalosis with a reduced ionised calcium concentration and paradoxical aciduria. These metabolic changes were reflected in her ECG. Investigation demonstrated acquired gastric outflow tract obstruction secondary to a pyloric peptic ulcer. The patient was resuscitated with intravenous crystalloid and electrolyte supplements. The acquired pyloric stenosis was treated medically with a proton pump inhibitor and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy with excellent recovery.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007008 Hypokalemia Abnormally low potassium concentration in the blood. It may result from potassium loss by renal secretion or by the gastrointestinal route, as by vomiting or diarrhea. It may be manifested clinically by neuromuscular disorders ranging from weakness to paralysis, by electrocardiographic abnormalities (depression of the T wave and elevation of the U wave), by renal disease, and by gastrointestinal disorders. (Dorland, 27th ed) Hypopotassemia,Hypokalemias,Hypopotassemias
D010437 Peptic Ulcer Ulcer that occurs in the regions of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT which come into contact with GASTRIC JUICE containing PEPSIN and GASTRIC ACID. It occurs when there are defects in the MUCOSA barrier. The common forms of peptic ulcers are associated with HELICOBACTER PYLORI and the consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Gastroduodenal Ulcer,Marginal Ulcer,Gastroduodenal Ulcers,Marginal Ulcers,Peptic Ulcers,Ulcer, Gastroduodenal,Ulcer, Marginal,Ulcer, Peptic,Ulcers, Gastroduodenal,Ulcers, Marginal,Ulcers, Peptic
D011707 Pyloric Stenosis Narrowing of the pyloric canal with varied etiology. A common form is due to muscle hypertrophy (PYLORIC STENOSIS, HYPERTROPHIC) seen in infants. Pyloric Obstruction,Pylorus Obstruction,Stenosis, Pyloric,Obstruction, Pyloric,Obstruction, Pylorus,Pyloric Obstructions,Pylorus Obstructions
D003681 Dehydration The condition that results from excessive loss of water from a living organism. Water Stress,Stress, Water
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000136 Acid-Base Equilibrium The balance between acids and bases in the BODY FLUIDS. The pH (HYDROGEN-ION CONCENTRATION) of the arterial BLOOD provides an index for the total body acid-base balance. Anion Gap,Acid-Base Balance,Acid Base Balance,Acid Base Equilibrium,Anion Gaps,Balance, Acid-Base,Equilibrium, Acid-Base,Gap, Anion,Gaps, Anion
D000138 Acidosis A pathologic condition of acid accumulation or depletion of base in the body. The two main types are RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS and metabolic acidosis, due to metabolic acid build up. Metabolic Acidosis,Acidoses,Acidoses, Metabolic,Acidosis, Metabolic,Metabolic Acidoses
D014839 Vomiting The forcible expulsion of the contents of the STOMACH through the MOUTH. Emesis
D055815 Young Adult A person between 19 and 24 years of age. Adult, Young,Adults, Young,Young Adults
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