An unusual cause of muscle weakness: a case report.
Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) has been reported earlier in the Asian population. However, it is now becoming increasingly common in the Western countries as well. Thus, its in-depth knowledge is a must for every physician so that this diagnosis is not overlooked in any case presenting with extremity weakness and paralysis, especially considering its reversible nature. We present an interesting case of THPP in a Vietnamese patient presenting with bilateral lower extremity weakness and extremely low serum potassium levels. We also present a comprehensive discussion and review of literature related to THPP, which would be helpful for the internists to diagnose and appropriately manage this disease.
Gandhi
Malay
M
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA. malay_gandhi@hotmail.com
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D044466:Asian People; D006801:Humans; D020514:Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011441:Propylthiouracil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013971:Thyrotoxicosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D014744:Vietnam / Q000208:ethnology
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D011441:Propylthiouracil; D011433:Propranolol