Overlap of severe hypokalaemia and Guillain-Barré syndrome following Salmonella infection: a rare double etiology of acute lower limb paralysis – case report

This case highlights hypokalaemia and Guillain–Barré syndrome as rare and serious complications of Salmonella infection. A 25-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department with neuropathic pain, paraesthesia, paraparesis and circulatory shock associated with salmonella infection and severe hypokalaemia. Despite prompt and adequate correction of hypokalaemia, the neuropathic pain and paresis persisted, raising concern for other differential diagnosis, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Therefore, further neurological workups were performed to evaluate this condition. After intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, the patient finally showed significant improvement on day 12 of admission. The rare association of GBS and hypokalaemia following Salmonella infection represents a clinical and diagnostic challenge. Clinicians should remain alert to the potential overlap between electrolyte imbalances and neuromuscular disorders.