Hypothyroid myopathy mimicking postpolio syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Endocrinology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Hypothyroidism presents with varied neurological symptoms.
• Autoimmune thyroiditis can rarely manifest solely as myopathy.
• Neuromuscular symptoms require comprehensive differential diagnosis.

Observation:

• A middle-aged woman with a history of paralytic polio experienced worsening right leg weakness.
• Her symptoms mimicked postpolio syndrome, a common concern in polio survivors.
• This presentation was an atypical manifestation of severe hypothyroidism.

Findings:

• The patient's leg weakness was attributed to severe hypothyroidism, not postpolio syndrome.
• This case underscores hypothyroidism's potential to cause isolated neuromuscular symptoms.
• Thyroid dysfunction should be considered in patients with unexplained myopathy or neurological decline.

Implications:

• Clinicians should include thyroid function tests in the workup for new or worsening neuromuscular symptoms, especially in patients with a history of polio.
• Early diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism can prevent potentially irreversible neurological damage.
• This case broadens the understanding of hypothyroidism's diverse clinical presentations.