[Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis].

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neurology

Background:

• Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare but serious complication of hyperthyroidism.
• Graves' disease is a common cause of hyperthyroidism and a potential trigger for TPP.

Observation:

• A case of TPP is presented in a man in his thirties of Asian descent with non-compliant Graves' disease.
• The patient presented with extremity paresis and severe hypokalaemia, characteristic of TPP.

Findings:

• Diagnosis of TPP was confirmed by the presence of uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, Asian ethnicity, paralysis, and severe hypokalaemia.
• Acute management included non-selective beta-blockers and potassium supplementation.

Implications:

• Early recognition of TPP is critical for effective and potentially life-saving interventions.
• Definitive treatment for TPP triggered by hyperthyroidism, such as in Graves' disease, involves surgery or radioiodine therapy.
• Euthyroid patients are not at risk for developing thyrotoxic periodic paralysis.