Subsequent morphological changes in periodic paralysis. A study of seven cases.

Abstract

Muscle biopsies were studied in seven patients with various types of periodic paralysis. A sequence for the histopathological feature is suggested: 1. Histology may be normal early in the disease. 2. Vacuolation is found during the active phase characterized by frequent attacks. 3. Tubular aggregates appear later when the frequency of the attacks decreases. 4. Degenerative changes are correlated with the presence of permanent myopathic weakness.