Periodic paralysis with normokalemia in a patient with hyperthyroidism: A case report

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is characterized by a sudden onset of hypokalemia and paralysis. This condition mainly affects the lower extremities and is secondary to thyrotoxicosis. The underlying hyperthyroidism is often subtle without typical symptoms such as palpitations, tremors, anxiety, and weight loss; this causes a difficulty in early diagnosis. Here, we reported a case of periodic paralysis in a patient with hyperthyroidism whose potassium level was within the normal range.

A 33-year-old Taiwanese man presented to the emergency department with bilateral limb weakness (more severe in the lower limbs than in the upper limbs). On arrival, the patient's vital status was stable with clear consciousness. He denied experiencing recent trauma, back pain, chest pain, abdominal pain, headache or dizziness, or a fever episode. Physical examination showed no specific findings. Neurological examination showed weakness in the muscles of the bilateral upper and lower limbs. Muscle weakness was more severe in the proximal site than in the distal site.

Blood examination showed normal complete blood count, normal renal and liver function, and normal potassium (3.5 mmol/L, normal range 3.5-5.1 mmol/L), sodium, and calcium levels; however, the examination showed impaired thyroid function (thyroid stimulating hormone: 0.04 uIU/mL, normal range 0.34-5.60 uIU/mL; free T4: 1.96 ng/dL, normal range 0.61-1.12 ng/dL). Brain computed tomography without contrast showed no obvious intra-cranial lesion.

Intravenous potassium infusion (20 mEq/L) with normal saline was prescribed for the patient.

After treatment, the patient felt a decrease in limb weakness. He was discharged from our emergency department with a scheduled follow-up in the endocrine outpatient department.

TPP should be considered as a differential diagnosis in young Asian men presenting with limb paralysis that is more severe in the proximal site and in the lower limbs than in the distal site and in the upper limbs, respectively. It is important for emergency department physicians to consider TPP as a differential diagnosis as it can occur even if the patient's potassium level is within the normal range.