Introduction

Ogilvie syndrome (OS) describes an acute colonic pseudo-obstruction characterised by intestinal dilatation without mechanical obstruction of the large intestine, usually affecting elderly people with multiple comorbidities.1 The early diagnosis and intervention is essential to prevent ischaemia and perforation. In addition, water and electrolyte sequestration due to colonic dilatation may cause serious electrolyte disturbance.2 Early diagnosis is crucial for OS in older adults because their prompt treatment prevents the use of potentially harmful drugs, surgical procedures or inappropriate interventions. On the one hand, the disease is characterised by constipation; however, secretory diarrhoea may also occur. Secretory diarrhoea in patients with OS has significance because of complications such as hypokalaemia caused by increased potassium channel activity in the colon.3 In this case report, we presented a patient with constipation and OS who developed secretory diarrhoea and severe hypokalaemia.