Uncommon Association of Mckittrick-Wheelock Syndrome and Clostridioides difficile Infection in Acute Renal Failure

Abstract

We present the case of a 71-year-old male who suffered an episode of acute renal failure caused by the uncommon association of two different diseases (Clostridioides difficile infection and McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome). He presented with hypovolemic shock, severe hypokalemia, hyponatremia, metabolic acidosis and acute renal failure; consequences of secretory diarrhea caused by a giant rectal tumor revealed from colonoscopy. The biopsy results revealed tubulo-villous adenoma with low/high grade dysplasia. After correction of electrolyte imbalances and azotemia, the patient underwent surgical resection with full subsequent recovery. In the literature review, including papers published from which January 1945 to April 2021, we found only one case-report of acute renal failure associated with Clostridioides difficile infection and McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome.

McKittrick-Wheelock Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Potentially Fatal Chronic Diarrhea

“…More and more frail and elderly patients appear with this condition, a major and potentially fatal surgery being unattractive in this group. 5,9,17,25 Minimally invasive therapeutic options, such as brachytherapy and endoscopic resection, have shown undesirable results and high rates of recurrence. More modern and minimally invasive transanal surgical procedures have shown auspicious repercussions in tumors located above the rectum.…”