Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis- A Diagnostically Challenging Rare Clinical Entity

Naga Vaishnavi Gadela; Anantha Sriharsha Madgula; Dimitrios Drekolias; Mahati Paravathaneni; Viraj Modi

doi:10.7759/cureus.11804

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis- A Diagnostically Challenging Rare Clinical Entity

Cureus. 2020 Nov 30;12(11):e11804. doi: 10.7759/cureus.11804.

Authors

Naga Vaishnavi Gadela¹, Anantha Sriharsha Madgula¹, Dimitrios Drekolias¹, Mahati Paravathaneni², Viraj Modi¹

Affiliations

¹ Internal Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, USA.
² Internal Medicine, Mercy Catholic Medical Center, Darby, USA.

Abstract

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is characterized by a classic triad of muscle paralysis, hypokalemia, and hyperthyroidism. The underlying thyroid disorder is often very subtle making it challenging to recognize TPP. It is a completely reversible condition if diagnosed early; however, it is associated with fatal outcomes if delayed.

Keywords: hypokalemia; periodic paralysis; thyroid.

Publication types

Case Reports