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Tumor lysis syndrome — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardRenal/Metabolic emergenciesTumor lysis syndromeABEM Board

A 61-year-old man with lymphoma arrives 2 days after starting chemotherapy with weakness and nausea. Triage acuity is ESI 2; BP 106/64 mm Hg, HR 118/min. Labs show potassium 6.5 mEq/L, phosphate 7.2 mg/dL, calcium 6.8 mg/dL, uric acid 14 mg/dL, and creatinine 2.4 mg/dL. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: B — Tumor lysis syndrome

After chemotherapy, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hyperuricemia, and AKI indicate tumor lysis syndrome.

Reference: ASCO tumor lysis syndrome guidance