RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in a Saudi patient complicated by life-threatening arrhythmia
JF Saudi Medical Journal
JO Saudi Med J
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 564
OP 568
VO 30
IS 4
A1 Aldasouqi, Saleh
A1 Bokhari, Samia A.
A1 Khan, Patan M.
A1 Al-Zahrani, Ali S.
YR 2009
UL http://smj.org.sa/content/30/4/564.abstract
AB Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is rare in non-Orientals, and sporadic case reports were reported world-wide. Eight cases were reported in Arabs, including 3 Saudis. We present an additional case of TPP in a 38-year-old Saudi man, and review the literature on TPP in Arabs. Our patient presented with complete flaccid quadriplegia, 5 weeks after he was diagnosed with Graves' disease that was treated with carbimazole and propranolol. He was hyperthyroid, and his potassium was extremely low (1.5 mmol/L). During initial evaluation in the emergency room, he developed transient asystole manifested by syncope. He was resuscitated and his hypokalemia was corrected, and he had a full recovery. This case emphasizes the notion that TPP can occur in patients of any ethnic background. The development of serious cardiac complications in our patient underscores the importance of early and correct diagnosis of this potentially life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism.