Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis

Abstract

The majority of the body potassium is distributed in the intracellular space, and of which about 80% is in skeletal muscle. Movement of potassium in and out of skeletal muscle thus plays a pivotal role in extracellular potassium homeostasis. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a potentially lethal and rare complication of hyperthyroidism characterized by recurrent muscle weakness and hypokalemia. Acidobasic status is not impaired, however hypomagnesemia and hypophosphatemia may be also present. The diagnosis of TPP is confirmed on the basis of abnormal thyroid hormones. We describe a case of 17-year-old male who presented with acute onset weakness and hypokalemia. He was subsequently diagnosed with Graves'-Basedow disease.