Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis: A Unique Case Highlighting the Diagnostic Challenges and Management.
Autor: | Atrash J; Internal Medicine Department, Saint Joseph Hospital, Jerusalem, PSE., Musleh T; Internal Medicine Department, Saint Joseph Hospital, Jerusalem, PSE., Naji Y; Internal Medicine Department, Saint Joseph Hospital, Jerusalem, PSE., Said V; Internal Medicine Department, Saint Joseph Hospital, Jerusalem, PSE., Saraheen M; Internal Medicine Department, Saint Joseph Hospital, Jerusalem, PSE. |
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Jazyk: | angličtina |
Zdroj: | Cureus [Cureus] 2024 Nov 08; Vol. 16 (11), pp. e73275. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Nov 08 (Print Publication: 2024). |
DOI: | 10.7759/cureus.73275 |
Abstrakt: | Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare complication primarily associated with thyrotoxicosis, particularly in individuals with Graves' disease. While more common in males aged 20 to 40, it can occur across all ethnic backgrounds. It is the most common type of acquired periodic paralysis. The condition is triggered by factors like exercise, stress, diet, and certain medications. The diagnosis is confirmed by severe hypokalemia and elevated thyroid hormones in the presence of acute flaccid paralysis. Immediate treatment involves correcting hypokalemia, while long-term management focuses on normalizing thyroid levels. In this article, we will report a case of a 30-year-old Middle Eastern man who presented to the emergency room with severe muscle weakness following extensive exertion and a high-carbohydrate diet. Physical examination revealed motor weakness in all limbs, particularly his lower limbs. Initial tests showed marked hypokalemia and biochemical thyrotoxicosis with suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and elevated free triiodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (T4). An electrocardiogram (ECG) indicated signs of severe hypokalemia with an atrioventricular (AV) block. After he was diagnosed with TPP, the patient received oral and intravenous potassium infusions and was started on anti-thyroid medications, most importantly beta (β)-blockers. Following acute treatment, his potassium levels normalized, and he regained full muscle function. Ultimately, he was maintained on anti-thyroid medications at discharge to maintain an euthyroid state in order to prevent future recurrences of symptoms. Consequently, in patients presenting with acute flaccid paralysis, potassium level, and thyroid function should be investigated in order to promptly diagnose complications of thyrotoxicosis and to start an early appropriate combined therapy. The early and rapid management of TPP can prevent serious cardiopulmonary complications. Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work. (Copyright © 2024, Atrash et al.) |
Databáze: | MEDLINE |
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