Metabolic acidosis with an elevated anion gap.

Determining the cause of metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap may present a diagnostic challenge. Possible causes include ketoacidosis, certain toxic ingestions, renal failure and lactic acidosis. Many of these entities present with nausea, vomiting and changes in mental status; however, there are specific hallmarks in the signs, symptoms and laboratory findings that help to differentiate among them.