McKittrick–Wheelock Syndrome, a Rare Cause of Nonresponsive Persistent Dyselectrolytemia
<b>Case Presentation:</b> A 67-year-old man presented with transient loss of consciousness and dizziness after weeks of vomiting, weakness, and recurrent syncopal episodes. Initial laboratory findings showed hyponatremia (Na 125 mEq/L), severe hypokalemia (K 2.3 mEq/L), hypochloremia (Cl 77 mEq/L), metabolic alkalemia (pH 7.5; HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> 34 mEq/L), low serum osmolality (263 mOsm/L) with inappropriately concentrated urine (332 mOsm/kg), and prerenal azotemia (creatinine 3.4 mg/dL; eGFR 19 mL/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup>; blood urea 209 mg/dL). Contrast-enhanced CT, along with colonoscopy, identified a large mucus-secreting villous adenoma in the upper rectum. After fluid and electrolyte replacement, the patient underwent surgical resection with complete remission of symptoms and correction of electrolyte abnormalities on follow-up. <b>Conclusion:</b> Rectal villous adenomas should be considered in older adults with unexplained hypovolemia, hypokalemic hyponatremia, and metabolic alkalemia. Early recognition and definitive resection are curative and prevent kidney injury.
Authors
- Daniela Călina (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1523-9116)
- Sebastian Constantin Toma
- Daniela Teodora Maria (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3410-1334)
- Andreea Doriana Stănculescu
- Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1984-791X)
- Daniela Cana Ruiu
- Naomi Fota
- Carmen Popescu
- Mirela Marinela Florescu
- Mihaela Cheie
Institutions
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova (RO)
- Petroleum & Gas University of Ploieşti (RO)
- University of Craiova (RO)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Diagnostics
- Published
- 2025-09-26
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15192459
- Primary Topic
- Renal function and acid-base balance
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00