title: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: diversity in America.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a potentially life-threatening complication of thyrotoxicosis, characterized by hypokalemia and muscle paralysis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  TPP, although becoming more prevalent in western countries, is still often not recognized due to lack of familiarity and the subtlety of the thyrotoxic symptoms. Early recognition by emergency physicians can prevent potential mortality.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 23-year-old Vietnamese male presented with a 2-h history of complete flaccid quadriplegia and chest tightness. Electrolyte studies revealed a critical potassium level of 1.4 mmol/L. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit where further workup revealed thyrotoxicosis and the patient was subsequently diagnosed with TPP.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TPP should always be considered as a differential in patients, especially in young males of Asian descent with lower-limb paralysis or weakness. We present this case, followed by a review of the literature.
authors: Division of Critical Care and Pulmonary Diseases, Florida Hospital Orlando, Orlando, Florida.
authors: Hetain
authors: H
authors: Patel
authors: Division of Critical Care and Pulmonary Diseases, Florida Hospital Orlando, Orlando, Florida.
authors: Lina Vanessa
authors: LV
authors: Wilches
authors: Division of Critical Care and Pulmonary Diseases, Florida Hospital Orlando, Orlando, Florida.
authors: Jorge
authors: J
authors: Guerrero
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000209:etiology*; D013971:Thyrotoxicosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D014481:United States; D014744:Vietnam / Q000208:ethnology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011188:Potassium
keywords: hypokalemia; thyrotoxic periodic paralysis; thyrotoxicosis