A case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis as initial manifestation of Graves' disease in a 16-year-old Korean adolescent.
10.6065/apem.2014.19.3.169
- Author:
Se Yong JUNG
1
;
Kyung Chul SONG
;
Jae Il SHIN
;
Hyun Wook CHAE
;
Ho Seong KIM
;
Ah Reum KWON
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. arema@yuhs.ac
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis;
Graves' disease;
Adolescent;
Korean
- MeSH:
Adolescent*;
Antithyroid Agents;
Asian Continental Ancestry Group;
Child;
Graves Disease*;
Humans;
Hyperthyroidism;
Hypokalemia;
Leg;
Lower Extremity;
Male;
Paralysis*;
Potassium;
Tachycardia, Sinus;
Thyroid Function Tests;
Thyroid Gland;
Ultrasonography
- From:Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism
2014;19(3):169-173
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
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.
