[Hypokalaemic paralysis disclosing hyperthyroidism]

Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 2004 Jul;23(7):745-7. doi: 10.1016/j.annfar.2004.03.018.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Thyrotoxic hypokaliaemic paralysis is a rare cause of severe hypokalaemia. We report the case of a 34-year-old Asiatic man who presented in our emergency department an episode of quadriplegia due to low plasma potassium levels. Biological test discovered a Basedow disease, confirmed thyrotoxic paralysis. Intravenously potassium treatment allowed complete recovery from paralysis. Also, the patient received specific medical treatment with antithyroid drugs and propranolol.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Antithyroid Agents / therapeutic use
  • Graves Disease / complications*
  • Graves Disease / diagnosis
  • Graves Disease / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypokalemia / complications*
  • Hypokalemia / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Paralysis / drug therapy
  • Paralysis / etiology*
  • Potassium / blood
  • Potassium / therapeutic use
  • Propranolol / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Propranolol
  • Potassium