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Review
. 2009 Sep;7(3):96-8.
doi: 10.3121/cmr.2009.816. Epub 2009 Jul 22.

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: a case report and literature review

M J Barahona  1 , I Vinagre, L Sojo, J M Cubero, Antonio Pérez
Affiliations
Review

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: a case report and literature review

M J Barahona et al. Clin Med Res. 2009 Sep.

Abstract

We describe a 37-year-old man with a 4-month history of episodic muscular weakness, involving mainly lower-limbs. Hypokalemia was documented in one episode and managed with intravenous potassium chloride. Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed 4 months after onset of attacks because of mild symptoms. The patient was subsequently diagnosed as having thyrotoxic periodic paralysis associated with Graves' disease. Treatment with propranolol and methimazol was initiated and one year later he remains euthyroid and symptom free. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a rare disorder, especially among Caucasians, but it should always be considered in patients with acute paralysis and hypokalemia, and thyroid function should be evaluated.

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References

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