Acute abdomen in DKA

Q: One of the most deceiving sign in DKA (Diabetic ketoacidosis) is acute abdomen. Which factors are commonly associated with acute abdomen in DKA ?

Answer:

1. Severity of Metabolic Acidosis
2. History of Cocaine abuse
3. History of alcohol abuse

Interestingly severity of dehydration and hyperglycemia is not found to be an associated factor in this type of presentation.

Reference:

Umpierrez G, Freire AX. - Abdominal pain in patients with hyperglycemic crises. J Crit Care. 2002 Mar;17(1):63-7