Cesium-associated hypokalemia successfully treated with amiloride

Abstract

Self-treatment of cancer with cesium chloride, despite proven lack of efficacy, continues to produce serious adverse effects. Among these is hypokalemia predisposing to life-threatening arrhythmia. The mechanism of cesium-associated hypokalemia (CAH) has not been described. We report urinary potassium wasting responsive to amiloride therapy in a cancer patient with CAH, and discuss possible mechanisms.