Latent Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting as Acute Ascending Paralysis: A Case Report

Here I report a 29-year old woman who presented with acute ascending paralysis and required mechanical ventila­tion due to severe hypokalaemia. She was found to have normal anion gap metabolic acidosis due to distal renal tu­bular acidosis. She had American College of Rheumatology classification criteria compatible with diagnosis of latent Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). She was successfully treated with potassium citrate and sodium bicarbonate supplementation. The case is noteworthy as an atypical presentation of SLE.