[A case of potassium-sensitive periodic paralysis with cardiac dysrhythmia]

The authors reported a case of potassium-sensitive periodic paralysis with cardiac dysrhythmia. The patient was a 21-year-old male and had periodic paralysis and asymptomatic cardiac dysrhythmia since the age of 12. His attacks worsened in frequency and intensity which brought him to our hospital at the age of 21. Physical examination on admission revealed slight dysmorphic features such as hypoplastic mandible and high-arched palate. He had slight proximal muscle atrophy with no myotonia. Electrocardiogram showed multifocal ventricular arrhythmia. The serum potassium levels during his paralytic attacks were normal or slightly decreased (3.6-4.2 mEq/l). Both potassium and glucose tolerance tests provoked paralytic attacks. Glucose tolerance test also aggravated his cardiac dysrhythmia. Acetazoramide administration improved his paralytic attack. Potassium-sensitive periodic paralysis with cardiac dysrhythmia can not be defined by the classification of periodic paralysis based on the serum potassium concentration. Provocative tests should be done to make a definite diagnosis and treatment should be done taking into consideration both paralytic attack and cardiac dysrhythmia.