Severe Lactic Acidosis and Hypoglycemia Associated With Burkitt Lymphoma and the Warburg Effect

Type B lactic acidosis secondary to the Warburg effect is a rare metabolic complication associated with hematological malignancies. Type B lactic acidosis occurs without tissue dysoxia due to increased aerobic glycolysis and excess lactic acid formation, commonly known as the Warburg effect. Here, we present a case of Burkitt lymphoma in a 69-year-old female with severe type B lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia that was effectively treated by the prompt initiation of chemotherapy. Type B lactic acidosis has been mostly described with hematological malignancies and rarely with solid malignancies. It is considered one of the oncological emergencies, and initiation of chemotherapy as soon as possible has been beneficial compared to alkali therapy. Lactic acidosis associated with malignancies carries a poor prognosis and high mortality.