Case report: thyrotoxic periodic paralysis, an unusual cause of hypokalemia

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a type of hypokalemic periodic paralysis that is caused by an underlying thyrotoxicosis. It is a rare cause of hypokalemia due to intracellular potassium shift, causing acute muscle weakness.Case presentation: We present a case of a 19-year-old male of Thai descent with acute proximal symmetric lower limb weakness. The combination of these symptoms with profound hypokalemia, rapid recovery after normalization of serum potassium, and evidence of hyperthyroidism led to the diagnosis of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis, in this case due to an underlying Graves’ disease.Conclusion: Clinicians should consider the diagnosis of TPP when a patient presents with the triad of acute paresis, profound hypokalemia and hyperthyroidism.

KEYWORDS:

• Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis
• hypokalemia
• hyperthyroidism
• paresis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Consent

Written informed consent was obtained.