Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis presenting in an African-American teenage male: case report

BACKGROUND: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism and is associated with hypokalemia and muscle paralysis. This condition is most commonly seen in Asian men. CASE PRESENTATION: We report on a 14-year-old African American male with Graves’ disease and intermittent asthma who presented with bilateral leg weakness. The patient demonstrated signs of thyrotoxicosis and laboratory evaluation revealed hypokalemia and hyperthyroidism. Following the administration of potassium supplementation clinical status improved and the patient was discharged home on a high dose of methimazole and propranolol. At a 6-month follow up visit, he was found to be clinically euthyroid and demonstrated no signs of hyperthyroidism or muscle weakness. CONCLUSION: Children presenting with weakness and hypokalemia should be investigated for thyroid dysfunction. Correction of hypokalemia improves acute presentation, but the patient will remain at risk for paralysis until euthyroid state is achieved.