Kosin Med J.  2012 Dec;27(2):167-171. 10.7180/kmj.2012.27.2.167.

A Case of Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis Associated with Transient Thyrotoxicosis

• Kwon HJ
• Choi YS
• Lee JS
• Park DH
• Choi YJ
• Yoo JS

• KMID: 2308526
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7180/kmj.2012.27.2.167

Abstract

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is an acute muscle weakness of the limbs associated with hypokalemia. It can occur with any form of thyrotoxicosis. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis associated with transient thyrotoxicosis due to thyroiditis is very rare. We experienced a case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis associated with transient thyrotoxicosis. A 39-yr-old man was referred to our hospital because of paralysis of upper and lower extremity. The laboratory results were hypokalemia and mild thyrotoxicosis. A thyroid scan with Tc-99m revealed decreased uptake in the thyroid area compatible with destructive thyroiditis. The paralytic attack did not recur after the patient recovered to euthyroid state.

Keyword

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis; Transient thyrotoxicosis

MeSH Terms

Extremities
Humans
Hypokalemia
Lower Extremity
Muscle Weakness
Paralysis
Thyroid Gland
Thyroiditis
Thyrotoxicosis

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Electrocardiography reveals sinus tachycardia, nonspecific T wave abnormalities, and mild high QRS voltage criteria.

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  Fig. 2 Ultrasonography of the neck. A sonogram reveals a decreased echo in right lobe of thyroid gland.

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  Fig. 3 Tc-99m thyroid scan revealed decrease uptake of tracers.

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