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[Muscle weakness].

G Coppola1, St Bützberger, P Greminger

  • 1Medizinische Poliklinik, Departement für Innere Medizin, Universitätsspital Zürich.

Praxis
|March 21, 2003
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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A 31-year-old cook experienced episodes of severe muscle weakness due to low potassium levels, a condition known as hypokalemic periodic paralysis. This was caused by undiagnosed Grave's disease, a form of hyperthyroidism.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neurology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HPP) is a rare disorder characterized by episodes of muscle weakness.
  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that can increase stroke risk.

Observation:

  • A 31-year-old cook presented with recurrent episodes of flaccid tetraparesis affecting trunk and proximal limb muscles.
  • Physical examination revealed diminished reflexes, intact mental function, and normal sensation.
  • Laboratory tests showed critically low serum potassium (1.8 mmol/l) and diagnosed atrial fibrillation.

Findings:

  • Grave's disease, an autoimmune hyperthyroid condition, was identified as the underlying cause of both HPP and AF.
  • The patient exhibited classic hyperthyroid symptoms including nervousness, diarrhea, and weight loss.

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Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering underlying endocrine disorders in patients presenting with unexplained periodic paralysis and arrhythmias.
  • Effective management of hyperthyroidism is crucial for resolving both neurological and cardiac manifestations.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including potassium supplementation, beta-blockers, thyrostatic agents, and anticoagulation, led to symptom resolution.