31st July 2023

A 54-year-old man presents with a 3-day history of sudden onset severe epigastric pain, radiating to the back. He was recently diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica

A 54-year-old man presents with a 3-day history of sudden onset severe epigastric pain, radiating to the back. He was recently diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica by his GP and was started on a tapering course of steroids. He is otherwise fit and well. Observations are stable besides a BP of 103/76mmHg. His amylase is recorded as 800 U/L (normal range: 40 to 10 UL).

Which of the following is a common electrolyte abnormality from the complications of the likely diagnosis?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.