Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis as a Presentation of Thyrotoxicosis: A Case Report and review of the literature

Abstract

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare condition related to thyrotoxicosis seen predominantly in men of Asian Here I present a case of a 34-year-old Chinese man who presented with sudden onset weakness of his upper and lower extremities that resolved spontaneously. His investigations revealed elevated free thyroxin (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and hypokalemia, and he was diagnosed with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis. It is important to consider the diagnosis of TTP in patients presenting with acute onset of weakness. This report reviews the literature looking at pathophysiology, clinical features, and treatment for this rare complication of hyperthyroidism.

A Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis Case Study: From Weakness to Wellness

“…The pump activation is also indirectly triggered by hyperinsulinemia and the influence of androgens. This role of androgens may help elucidate the statistical observation of TPP predominantly affecting males over females, with a ratio of 30:1 [ 6 , 8 ]. As supported by existing literature, individuals typically experience symptoms following a high-carbohydrate meal, which can be explained by the influence of hyperinsulinemia indirectly affecting the sodium-potassium pump.…”

Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology March 2018 Highlights

“…Future studies may help validate further and position this test in routine practice. In this issue, MJR readers can also find a number of exceptional case reports, such as uncommon clinical manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis 8 and systemic lupus erythematosus presenting as liver dysfunction and chorea 6 respectively, thyrotoxicosis manifested as acute onset muscle weakness and periodic paralysis 7 and finally a rare case of antithyroid drug induced syndrome with clinical and serological characteristics indicating vasculitis and systemic lupus. 9 Last but not least, the first research protocols funded competitively after international peer review by the Greek Rheumatology Society and Professional Association of Rheumatologists for the next two years are presented in this issue.…”