Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis with Sensory Deficits in Young African American Male: A Case Report and Literature Review

Irsa Munir MD¹, Talha Mehmood MD¹, Kaiser Islam¹, Lina Soni¹ and Samy I. McFarlane^1,

¹Department of Internal Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, N.Y, U.S.A-11203

Cite this paper:
Irsa Munir MD, Talha Mehmood MD, Kaiser Islam, Lina Soni and Samy I. McFarlane. Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis with Sensory Deficits in Young African American Male: A Case Report and Literature Review. American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2019; 7(7):138-142. doi: 10.12691/ajmcr-7-7-5

Abstract

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a sporadic entity characterized by hypokalemia and paralysis in the setting of hyperthyroidism. TPP is most commonly described in young Asian males. Studies have shown an association with mutations affecting inward rectifying potassium channels. The pathophysiology involves Na⁺-K⁺- ATPase channel causing an increased intracellular shift of potassium ions in the hyperthyroid state and in the presence of another precipitating condition. Most cases of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis are defined in young Asian males of 20-40 years of age, here we present an interesting case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in 32-year-old African American male, who presented with sudden onset weakness in the bilateral lower extremity and left upper extremity. Interestingly, the patient also has sensory deficits, a feature not known to be associated with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis.

Keywords:
thyrotoxic periodic paralysis hypokalemia african american

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