CASE REPORTS
JOURNAL ARTICLE
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: diversity in America.

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.

CASE REPORT: 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.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app