A Case of Gitelman Syndrome that Was Difficult to Distinguish from Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis Caused by Graves' Disease

J Nippon Med Sch. 2019 Dec 3;86(5):301-306. doi: 10.1272/jnms.JNMS.2019_86-505. Epub 2019 May 17.

Abstract

A 21-year-old man presented with hyperthyroidism and hypokalemia and was treated for thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis caused by Graves' disease. Thyroid function soon normalized but hypokalemia persisted. Laboratory data revealed hyperreninemic hyperaldosteronism and metabolic alkalosis consistent with Gitelman Syndrome. The patient was found to have a previously unreported compound heterozygous mutation of T180K and L858H in the SLC12A3 gene, and Gitelman Syndrome was diagnosed. He was started on eplerenone to control serum potassium level. Alternative diagnoses should be considered when electrolyte imbalances persist after disease resolution.

Keywords: Gitelman syndrome; SLC12A3 gene; eplerenone; hypokalemia; thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Chlorides / urine
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Gitelman Syndrome / blood
  • Gitelman Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Gitelman Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Graves Disease / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis / blood
  • Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis / diagnostic imaging
  • Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis / etiology*
  • Male
  • Potassium / blood
  • Sodium / urine
  • Solute Carrier Family 12, Member 3 / genetics
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Chlorides
  • SLC12A3 protein, human
  • Solute Carrier Family 12, Member 3
  • Sodium
  • Potassium