A Case of Graves' Disease That Was Misdiagnosed as Thyrotoxic Crisis because of Chronic Bromvalerylurea Intoxication / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

A woman in her 50s presented to the hospital with a chief complaint of headache and nausea. Graves' disease was diagnosed based on positive blood test results for thyrotoxicosis and TSH receptor antibody and ultrasonographic thyroid gland findings. The patient was hospitalized and started treatment with thiamazole; however, after hospitalization, psychiatric symptoms, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, appeared, and she fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for thyroid crisis. We increased the dose of thiamazole and added potassium iodide. Thyroid function improved; however, the patient experienced reemergence of psychiatric symptoms. Blood tests revealed pseudohyperchloremia, which led to the discovery of abuse of over-the-counter analgesics containing bromwarelyl urea. The psychiatric symptoms were suspected to be due to withdrawal from chronic bromine intoxication. After starting psychotropic drugs, the patient's psychiatric symptoms became mild, her thyroid function continued to improve steadily, and she was discharged from the hospital. Thyroid crisis is a condition that should be suspected and treated at an early stage; however, the diagnostic criteria for thyroid crisis can be false-positive if the thyroid disease is accompanied by other conditions that cause psychiatric symptoms.

Early to recognize and Early to recover: A case series on Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare disease of muscle, presenting with sudden onset weakness of muscles with or without features of hyperthyroidism. The disease most commonly occurs in the Asian population representing about 1.9% of thyrotoxic patients. It involves a predominantly male population with no family history, with or without hypokalemia. Pathophysiology is still not clearly understood. We are describing, a case series of two different patients of TPP presented to our emergency department (ED). One patient presented with classical episodic weakness of both lower limbs specifically during the night times with spontaneous reversal of weakness early in the morning. Another patient presented with complete weakness of both lower limbs for the past 1 day. Both of them had a history of weight loss and intermittent palpitations. They were promptly diagnosed in the ED and successfully treated. We recommend evaluating thyroid function status in the emergency room with the aforementioned clinical features, as early recognition and correction of thyrotoxic state are the definitive treatment helping in a complete reversal of weakness. Potassium supplements, beta-blockers, and antithyroid medications are used in treating acute attacks and preventing recurrence

Algunos elementos de interés acerca del diagnóstico y tratamiento de la tormenta tirotóxica / Some elements of interest about the diagnosis and treatment of thyrotoxic storm

Introducción: La tormenta tirotóxica se produce por la liberación repentina y rápida de hormonas tiroideas al torrente sanguíneo. Constituye la complicación más peligrosa de la tirotoxicosis. Objetivo: Describir los principales elementos de interés acerca del diagnóstico y del tratamiento de la tormenta tirotóxica. Métodos: Se utilizaron como motores de búsqueda los correspondientes a las bases de datos Google Académico, Pubmed y SciELO. Las palabras clave utilizadas fueron: tormenta tirotóxica, tormenta tiroidea, tirotoxicosis, hipertiroidismo, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se evaluaron y se incluyeron los trabajos de revisión, de investigación y las páginas web que tuvieran menos de 10 años de publicados y que por el título trataban el tema de estudio. Fueron excluidos los artículos que no estuvieran en idioma español, portugués o inglés. En total 34 artículos fueran referenciados. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico es eminentemente clínico y se realiza por la detección de factores desencadenantes. Se suma la exacerbación del cuadro clínico de tirotoxicosis previamente existente, el cual afecta a varios sistemas del organismo como consecuencia del aumento de las hormonas tiroideas circulantes. Lo ideal es prevenir la tormenta tirotóxica, aunque ya establecido el tratamiento no se debe retrasar la terapia de la causa desencadenante y de la causa específica. Deberá estar encaminada a reducir la síntesis y la secreción de las hormonas tiroideas y a minimizar las acciones periféricas de estas. Deberán emplearse diferentes fármacos y otras medidas terapéuticas para tratar las complicaciones sistémicas para complementar el tratamiento(AU)

Introduction: Thyrotoxic storm is caused by the sudden and rapid release of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. It is the most dangerous complication of thyrotoxicosis. Objective: Describe some elements of interest about the diagnosis and treatment of thyrotoxic storm. Methods: Search engines corresponding to Google Scholar, Pubmed and SciELO databases were used. The keywords used were: thyrotoxic storm; thyroid storm; thyrotoxicosis; hyperthyroidism; diagnosis and treatment. The review papers, research papers and web pages, which in general, had less than 10 years of publication and that by the title dealt with the subject of study were evaluated and included. Articles that were not in Spanish, Portuguese or English were excluded. A total of 34 articles were referenced. Conclusions: The diagnosis is eminently clinical and is made by the detection of triggers, to which is added the exacerbation of the clinical picture of thyrotoxicosis previously existing, which affects several systems of the body as a result of the circulating thyroid hormones increase. The ideal is to prevent the thyrotoxic storm; although if the treatment is already established, the therapy of the triggering cause and the specific cause should not be delayed. It should be aimed at reducing the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones and minimizing their peripheral actions. Different drugs and other therapeutic measures should be used to treat systemic complications to complement treatment(AU)

Paralisia Periódica Hipocalêmica Tireotóxica: relato de caso / Thyrotoxic Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis: case report

A paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica é uma complicação rara do hipertireoidismo. Caracteriza-se por episódios de fraqueza muscular recorrente, associado à tireotoxicose e hipocalemia. Ocorre frequentemente em pacientes do sexo masculino e de origem asiática. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste estudo é descrever o relato de caso de um paciente acometido por paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica com redução acentuada da qualidade de vida e internações recorrentes devido a quadro agudo de tetraparesia flácida ascendente associado a hipocalemia grave por não adesão ao tratamento do hipertireoidismo. A paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica apresenta evolução favorável quando reconhecida e tratada com controle inicial dos sintomas para normalização sérica do potássio e posterior resolução do quadro tireotóxico.

Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism. The issue has been characterized by episodes of recurrent muscle weakness associated with thyrotoxicosis and hypokalemia. It occurs most often in male patients of Asian origin. This study aims on describing the case report of a patient affected by thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis with intense reduction in life quality and recurrent hospitalizations due to ascending acute flaccid tetraparesis associated with severe hypokalemia due to non-adherence to treatment of hyperthyroidism. Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis presents a favorable evolution when identified and treated with initial symptom control for serum potassium normalization and subsequent resolution of the thyroid toxicity.

Profile of thyrotoxic patients presenting as pyrexia of unkown origin: An observational case study from a tertiary care hospital

Objective: To study the profile of thyrotoxic patients evaluated for pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). Methods: 25 patients, who were evaluated for pyrexia of unknown origin and found to have thyrotoxicosis as the cause for fever, were managed as per the recommended protocol and followed for 12 months. Results: All the patients were presumed to have infectious fever and had received antibiotics prior to diagnosis. Out of 25 patients, 20 (80%) had subacute thyroiditis (SAT) and 5 (20%) had hyperthyroidism (4 had Graves disease and 1 toxic adenoma). Patients with hyperthyroidism received thionamides and β- blockers. 50% patients with subacute thyroiditis received analgesics, 25% received steroids only and 25% received a combination of analgesics and steroids. Early-onset transient hypothyroidism occurred in 40% patients with SAT, permanent hypothyroidism was less common and only 15% of patients were receiving levothyroxine therapy after one year of follow-up. Conclusion: Thyrotoxicosis should always be included in the differential diagnosis while evaluation of patients with PUO. Most of the patients with thyrotoxicosis are wrongly misinterpreted as infectious PUO and given unnecessary antibiotics. Early-onset transient hypothyroidism is common in SAT compared to permanent hypothyroidism. Although, symptomatic relief is achieved with analgesics and steroids but does not prevent the development of hypothyroidism.

Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis due to Graves' disease in 2 adolescents

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a notable and potentially lethal complication of thyrotoxicosis, and Graves' disease is the most common cause of TPP. TPP is commonly reported in Asian males between 20–40 years of age, but it is rare in children and adolescents. We report 2 Korean adolescents (a 16-year-old male and a 14-year-old female) with episodes of TPP who were previously diagnosed with Graves' disease. These 2 patients presented with lower leg weakness in the morning after waking up. They were diagnosed with TPP-associated with thyrotoxicosis due to Graves' disease. After they were initially treated with potassium chloride and antithyroid drugs, muscle paralysis improved and an euthyroid state without muscle paralytic events was maintained during follow-up. Therefore, clinicians should consider TPP when patients have sudden paralysis and thyrotoxic symptoms such as goiter, tachycardia, and hypertension.

Thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy – A case report

Cardiomyopathy is an uncommon presentation in hyperthyroid patients. There are very few case reports of thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. The mechanism due to which cardiomyopathy occurs in hyperthyroid patients is not very well understood. After extensive literature search, it was found that some of the mechanisms described which include genomic, non-genomic and direct action of Thyroid hormone on the cardiac muscle may cause cardiomyopathy. In this case report, a case of Multinodular goitre with cardiomyopathy is described.

Unusual Case of Acute Flaccid Quadriparesis in South India.

Aim: We report an extremely unusual case of thyrotoxicosis presenting as recurrent acute flaccid quadriparesis in a south Indian male. This case is reported to disseminate knowledge about this rare presentation of thyrotoxicosis among medical professionals. Presentation of Case: This patient presented with sudden onset of symmetrical weakness of both upper and lower limb since early morning with unexplained hypokalemia. He had diffuse toxic goiter with subtle features of hyperthyroidism associated with flaccid quadriparesis. Laboratory investigation revealed marked hypokalemia and hyperthyroidism. He was clinically diagnosed to have hyperthyroidism presenting as thyrotoxic periodic paralysis. He improved with potassium supplementation, beta blocker & anti-thyroid agent. Discussion: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) may be the initial presentation of thyrotoxicosis in rare occasion. Proximal muscle weakness of lower limb is often the first symptom noted. Hypokalemia noted in TPP is the consequence of a rapid and massive shift of potassium from the extracellular into the intracellular compartment, mainly into the muscles. TPP is distinguished from other forms of periodic paralysis (especially hypokalemic periodic paralysis) with thyroid function tests. Failure to recognize this rare disorder may result in fatal cardiac arrhythmia which is a potential cause of mortality. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of this atypical presentation of thyrotoxicosis as it is lethal if not treated. Young people with unexplained hypokalemic paralysis even without apparent evidence of thyroid dysfunction should be subjected to thyroid function test to identify this rare disorder.

Evaluation of the CaV1 1-R528 H gene knock-in mouse model of thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To establish and evaluate the CaV1?1?R528H gene knock?in mouse model of thyrotoxic hy?pokalemic periodic paralysis. Methods Thirty?six 8?week?old male CaV1?1?R528H gene knock?in mice and thirty?six 8?week?old wild?type male C57BL/6J mice were used in this study. Using three?factor two?level 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design ( the three factors including mutation, thyroxine and insulin, and two levels were with or without) , the mice were divided into 8 groups. The thyroxine groups were intraperitoneally injected with levothyroxine in a dose of 350 μg/kg once per day for 12 consecutive days to produce thyrotoxicosis. The insulin groups were intraperitoneally injected with short?acting insulin in a dose of 0?8 U/kg after the last administration of levothyroxine, and the potassium levels of different groups were meas?ured and recorded before (0 min) and after insulin injection (30 min, 60 min). Results (1) Compared with the control group, the following phenomena including irritability, dull coat, increased diet and water intake, and slow body weight gain, were observed in the thyrotoxic mice. Thyroid function tests showed that the levels of T3 and T4 in the thyrotoxic mice were significantly higher than those in the corresponding control mice (P<0?05), and the TSH level was significantly low?er than that of the corresponding control mice (P<0?05 ). (2) After administration of insulin or thyroxine alone, the po?tassium levels in the mutant and wild?type mice were not significantly different. However, after combined administration of thyroxine and insulin, the potassium levels in the mutant group were significantly lower than those in the wild?type mice at 30 min and 60 min ( P<0?05 for both). (3) The main effects and interactions:Mutation factor or thyroxine factor alone did not influence on the potassium level, only insulin showed hypokalemic effect (P<0?05). There were interactions be?tween thyroxine and mutation, and between insulin and mutation (P<0?05), but no interaction between thyroxine and in?sulin. Conclusions (1) A thyrotoxicosis state in mice is successfully developed in this study. (2) An CaV1?1?R528H gene knock?in mouse model of thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis is successfully established.

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: a short clinical review.

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis (TPP) is a potentially lethal manifestation of hyperthyroidism which is characterized by hypokalemia and muscular weakness. It mainly affects Asian men in the age group of 20 to 40 years. Immediate supplementation with oral or intravenous potassium will help to not only abort the acute attack of paralysis but will also prevent serious and life threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Non selective beta blockers like propranolol can also be used to ameliorate and prevent subsequent paralytic attack. Acetazolamide has no role in the treatment of TPP.

Graves’ Disease and Periodic Paralysis / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

@#Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis represents a rare neurological emergency of an endocrine disorder. It poses a diagnostic challenge to the clinicians, as it is an uncommon disorder and its clinical presentation is similar to the more common hypokalemic paralysis. Adding to the diagnostic dilemma is that most patients do not have prior history of thyroid disorder and only have subtle features of hyperthyroidism. Hence, the diagnosis can be easily missed without a high clinical index of suspicion. These patients usually present to the emergency department with acute flaccid paralysis and all physicians should be aware of this clinical entity. The disease can be life-threatening if early diagnosis and prompt therapy is not initiated. We report three interesting cases in which periodic paralysis was the initial manifestation of underlying Graves’ disease in two and occurred in the third case who was previously diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis due to non-adherence to drug therapy.

Parálisis periódica hipocalémica tirotóxica. Aporte del laboratorio en un nuevo desafío diagnóstico / Hypokalemic periodic paralysis thyrotoxic Contribution of the laboratory in a new diagnostic challenge

La parálisis periódica tirotóxica hipocalémica es una patología de muy baja frecuencia en la Argentina; no obstante, es muy importante tenerla en cuenta como urgencia, ya que puede ser fatal si el diagnóstico y el tratamiento correctos no son oportunos. El objetivo de esta investigación bibliográfica es destacar el aumento de la incidencia de una enfermedad potencialmente fatal y, a la vez, fácilmente reversible con el tratamiento adecuado y oportuno, en las Salas de Guardia de nuestro país, a fin de que se la tenga en cuenta en las sospechas diagnósticas de emergencia y el aporte que puede hacer el bioquímico desde un Servicio de Urgencia, para ayudar al diagnóstico en forma rápida y certera.(AU)

Hypokalemic thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a disease of very low frequency in Argentina; however, it is very important to take it into account as an emergency, because it can be fatal without a timely diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this research is to highlight its increased incidence in the emergency rooms of our country (it is a potentially fatal disease, but at the same time it is easily reversible with a proper and timely treatment), in order to include it in the emergency diagnostic suspicion and the biochemist contribution in an emergency service to reach a quick and accurate diagnosis.(AU)

A case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis as initial manifestation of Graves' disease in a 16-year-old Korean adolescent

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism, with recurrent muscle paralysis and hypokalemia that are caused by an intracellular shift of potassium. TPP is relatively common in Asian males, but is extremely rare in children and adolescents, even for those of Asian descent. We describe a 16-year-old Korean adolescent presenting with a two-week history of episodic leg weakness in the morning. He showed sinus tachycardia, lower leg weakness, and hypokalemia. Thyroid function test showed hyperthyroidism, and thyroid ultrasonography revealed a diffuse enlarged thyroid with increased vascularity, consistent with Graves' disease. He was treated with beta-adrenergic blocker and antithyroid drugs. He has been symptom free for one year, as his hyperthyroidism has been controlled well with antithyroid drugs. TPP should be considered in children and adolescents with acute paralysis of the lower extremities and hypokalemia.

Role of AT1R-associated microRNAs in thyrotoxic heart desease / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding RNA molecules.They regulate negatively the expression of target genes at post-transcriptional stages by means of affecting the stability of target mRNA or interfering with the transcriptional process.Recently,there is evidence demonstrating that miRNAs play important roles in the gene expressions of thyrotoxic heart diseases.Elevated levels of thyroid hormones profoundly influence the cardiovascular system through the renin-angiotensin system (RAS).As a principal active component of RAS,angiotensin Ⅱ receptor 1 (AT1 R) interacts with miRNAs in promoting or extenuating the progress of thyrotoxic heart disease.In this article,the roles of AT1R-associated miRNAs,miR-21,miR-155,miR-208a/b,and miR-499 in thyrotoxic heart disease were reviewed.

A Case of Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis.

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is an uncommon manifestation of thyrotoxicosis and the condition is most commonly reported in young Asian men. Patient often presents with acute onset symmetrical flaccid muscle paralysis and proximal limb muscles may be more severely involved compared to distal muscles. Thyroid swelling as well as features of thyrotoxicosis may not be overt. A very high index of suspicion is often required for the diagnosis of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis. Treatment of throtoxicosis prevents further episodes of paralysis. We report a case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in a young male.

A Case of Thyrotoxic Myopathy with Extreme Type 2 Fiber Predominance

In hyperthyroidism, many patients had neuromuscular symptoms and clinical weakness correlated with free thyroxine (T4) concentrations. The common clinical symptoms of chronic thyrotoxic myopathy were characterized by progressive weakness in proximal muscles and atrophy. A 55-year old woman was visited our hospital with two years of progressive weakness of both legs. Physical examination showed diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland, muscle atrophy and tachycardia. Motor examination showed proximal weakness in both legs. Serum creatine phosphokinase was normal and electromyography showed a myopathic pattern. Serum thyroxine (T4) was greatly increased and serum thyroid stimulating hormone was very low. Muscle biopsy showed mild atrophic change and type 2 fiber predominance. The patient's symptoms were improved during treatment with methimazole. Herein we report a case of thyrotoxic myopathy with extreme type 2 fiber predominance histologically.

A 32-year-old Man with Normokalemic Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis (TPP) is a rare and life threatening condition commonly occurring in young Asian males. It is characterized by acute paralytic attacks and hypokalemia in association with thyrotoxicosis. Serum potassium levels may be normal in rare cases of TPP. The diagnosis of normokalemic TPP may be overlooked and/or delayed in most cases. Here, we describe a 32-year-old Iranian man with normokalemic TPP misdiagnosed as somatization disorder with the correct diagnosis made one year after the onset of symptoms.

A Case of Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis in 17-Year-Old Adolescent / 대한소아신경학회지

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare disease of muscle paralysis associated with hypokalemia and thyrotoxicosis. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis can be caused by potassium channelopathy or thyroid dysfunction. Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis is far more common in Asian males aged between 20 to 40 years and rare in children and adolescents. Clinical symptoms with motor paralysis were recovered just after treatment of potassium, propranolol, and methimazole. However, thyroid function tests were not normalized until 3 month treatment of methimazole and propranolol. We report a 17-year-old patient diagnosed with Graves' disease with TPP. Thyroid function test should including in periodic paralysis patient's evaluation.

Tormenta tiroidea / Thyroid storm

La tormenta tiroidea es una de las situaciones más críticas entre las emergencias endocrinas y tiene una significativa mortalidad. La etiología más común de tirotoxicosis es la enfermedad de Graves y el factor precipitante que predomina es la infección. Clínicamente se caracteriza por la disfunción de varios sistemas (termorregulador, nervioso central, gastrointestinal y cardiovascular), con niveles de hormonas tiroideas libres o totales por encima de los valores normales. El tratamiento debe tener un enfoque multidisciplinario, e incluye medidas de soporte en unidades de cuidados intensivos, normalización de la temperatura corporal, reducción de la producción y liberación de hormonas tiroideas, con antitiroideos de síntesis y yodo respectivamente, bloqueo de los efectos periféricos mediante la administración de beta-bloqueadores, y corrección del factor desencadenante. Una vez que el paciente se encuentra estable es necesario planificar una terapia definitiva que impida la recurrencia futura de la crisis tirotóxica(AU)

The thyroid storm is one of the most critical situations in the endocrine emergencies and exhibits a significant mortality rate. The most common etiology of thyrotoxicosis is Graves' disease and the predominant precipitating factor is infection. The clinical characteristics are dysfunction of several systems (heat-regulator, central nervous, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular), and levels of total or free thyroid hormones that exceed the normal values. The treatment must be multidisciplinary and include support measures in intensive care units, normalization of body temperature, reduction of the production and the release of thyroid hormones by using synthesis and iodine anti-thyroid products respectively, blockade of the peripheral effects through administration of Beta-blockers and correction of the unleashing factor. Once the patients are stabilized, it is necessary to plan the final therapy that will prevent the future recurrence of the thyrotoxic crisis(AU)

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis Associated with Transient Thyrotoxicosis Due to Painless Thyroiditis

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare manifestation of hyperthyroidism characterized by muscle weakness and hypokalemia. All ethnicities can be affected, but TPP typically presents in men of Asian descent. The most common cause of TPP in thyrotoxicosis is Graves' disease. However, TPP can occur with any form of thyrotoxicosis. Up to our knowledge, very few cases ever reported the relationship between TPP and painless thyroiditis. We herein report a 25-yr-old Korean man who suffered from flaccid paralysis of the lower extremities and numbness of hands. The patient was subsequently diagnosed as having TPP associated with transient thyrotoxicosis due to painless thyroiditis. The paralytic attack did not recur after improving the thyroid function. Therefore, it is necessary that early diagnosis of TPP due to transient thyrotoxicosis is made to administer definite treatment and prevent recurrent paralysis.