An unusual cause of HV prolongation

Hyperkalemia is among the most common electrolyte imbalances encountered in clinical practice, affecting up to 8% of hospitalized patients in the United States. The most common causes are renal disease (encountered in 75% of patients with severe hyperkalemia) and administration of medications that elevate serum potassium levels (found in 67% of patients), including drugs often employed in cardiovascular disease such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers and aldosterone blocking agents. Often the origin of hyperkalemia is multifactorial and the specific cause is never defined. Hyperkalemia is known to have significant effects on electrical impulse generation and propagation in the heart, with conduction disturbances that may occur at various locations in the specialized conduction system.