Reconhecimento da paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica na emergência: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Recognizing thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis on emergency settings: a case report and literature revie

A paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica é uma complicação inusitada do hipertireoidismo, porém é considerada urgência endocrinológica e ainda frequentemente subdiagnosticada. Sua apresentação clínica consiste na tríade de défice de potássio, tireotoxicose e fraqueza muscular ­ sendo esse último sintoma comum em diversas patologias. Realizamos uma revisão bibliográfica e destacamos, por meio do relato de caso, a importância do diagnóstico precoce dessa doença, possibilitando uma evolução favorável ao paciente, independente de sua etnia, sexo ou região geográfica. Atentamos ainda ao tratamento da doença, que, apesar de sua simplicidade, acarreta muitos equívocos.

The thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism, but is considered an endocrinological urgency, and yet frequently underdiagnosed. Its clinical presentation consists of potassium deficit, thyrotoxicosis, and muscular weakness, with the latter symptom being very common in several pathologies. We performed a bibliographic review and highlight, through a case report, the importance of the early diagnosis of this disease to allow favorable progression to the patient, regardless of ethnicity, sex, or geographical region. We also reinforce the importance of the disease treatment which, despite its simplicity, leads to many mistakes.

Inusual forma de presentación de hipertiroidismo asociado a parálisis hipokalémica / An unusual presentation of hyperthyroidism associated with hypokalemic paralysis

La parálisis periódica hipokalémica tirotóxica (PPHT) constituye un raro trastorno caracterizado por debilidad muscular severa asociado a hipokalemia en pacientes hipertiroideos. Se reporta en este artículo un paciente masculino de 28 años de edad quien ingresó a un centro de salud de primer nivel, por debilidad muscular generalizada con subsecuente caída desde su altura sin pérdida de la conciencia. Es remitido posteriormente a un Hospital regional (en Colombia), en donde se identifica la presencia de bocio. Se solicitaron pruebas de función tiroidea y niveles de hormona estimulante de la tiroides (TSH) los cuales fueron anormales. Este caso clínico busca difundir el conocimiento de una patología considerada infrecuente en la región, con el fin de resaltar algunos aspectos clínicos y fisiopatológicos, destacando la importancia de tener presente el diagnostico de esta enfermedad y lograr hacer un manejo oportuno teniendo en cuenta sus complicaciones potencialmente fatales.

Hypokalemic thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a rare disorder characterized by severe muscle weakness with low serum potassium levels in hyperthyroid patients. We describe a 28- years-old man who was admitted to a first level health center with a history of muscle weakness and a fall from his height without loss of consciousness. He was transferred to a regional Hospital (in Colombia) where, in a physical examination, was noticed an enlarged size of thyroid gland. Thyroid function tests and levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were requested, which were abnormal. This case report attempts to spread the knowledge of a disease considered rare in the region, in order to highlight some clinical and pathophysiological aspects, the importance of always be considered in patients with this clinical presentation and making an appropriate treatment and diagnosis.

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: a case report and literature review

We describe a 19-year-old girl with a 3-month history of episodic muscular weakness, involving mainly lower limbs. Hypokalemia was documented in one episode and managed with intravenous potassium chloride. Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed 3 months after onset of attacks because of the mild symptoms. The patient was subsequently diagnosed as having thyrotoxic periodic paralysis associated with Graves' disease. Treatment with propranolol and methimazol was initiated and one year later underwent near total thyroidectomy