Parálisis periódica tirotóxica, una serie de casos

Abstract

Background

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare but dangerous complication observed in thyrotoxic patients, where a clinical presentation of muscle compromise common in channelopathies occurs.

Objective

The objective of the study was to present 2 clinical cases of patients who presented PPT.

Clinical cases

Case 1: A 31-year-old male patient, with a progressive picture of asthenia, cramps, decreased muscle strength in the 4 extremities with greater involvement of the lower extremities, gait slower than usual, and tremor over the course of 4 days distal postural position in all 4 extremities, not triggered by any physical activity or stressful situation. Case 2: A 25-year-old male patient, with a 3-day progression of weakness in the 4 extremities, with a greater predominance in the lower extremities associated with myalgia in the thighs and calves, not triggered by any physical activity or stressful situation.

Conclusion

In the cases presented, the patients reported hypokalemia and uncontrolled hyperthyroidism in the paraclinical tests, so it was decided to perform management with K⁺ replacement to prevent rebound hyperkalemia and β blockers, with which an adequate evolution was obtained, concluding that it presented with PPT. This pathological entity should be suspected in patients with thyrotoxicosis, hypokalemia, and sudden proximal symmetric muscle weakness of the lower extremities.