April - June 2015, Volume 11, Issue 2

Balasa R, Maier S, Bajko Z, Pascanu I, Motataianu A

Skeletal Muscle Na+/K+-ATPase Pump Dysfunction in Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis: Case Report

Acta Endo (Buc) 2015, 11 (2): 240-245
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2015.240

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is an uncommon complication of hyperthyroidism that is described more frequently in young Asian men. TPP represents an endocrine emergency that may be life-threatening if it is not promptly recognized. TPP is manifested as recurrent events of hypopotassemia and muscle weakness lasting a few hours. Definitive treatment is represented by the treatment of thyrotoxicosis. Case Report. We report a case of a 47 years old Caucasian male with hypokalemic periodic paralysis as initial sign of Basedow-Graves disease. The pathogenesis of TPP is multifactorial and has the final effect of activation of Na+/K+-ATPase pump. The numerous endocrine and genetic mechanisms of activation of Na+/K+-ATPase pump in TPP are discussed.

Keywords: hypokalemic periodic paralysis, hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxic periodic paralysis, Basedow-Graves disease, Na+/K+-ATPase.

Correspondence: Rodica Balasa MD, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures, Neurology, Marinescu Gheorghe Street 50 Targu Mures, 540136, Romania, E-mail: iipascu@redatronic.ro