methimazole and Respiratory-Insufficiency

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is an acute endocrine emergency characterized by hyperthyroidism, profound muscle weakness and/or paralysis, and hypokalemia that is not due to potassium deficiency. Typically described in young males of Asian descent, it is becoming increasingly recognized outside of this demographic group and is believed to be an underrecognized cause of symptomatic hypokalemia. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis usually manifests as acute onset of symmetrical distal extremity weakness and is treated with careful potassium replacement and nonselective β-blockers. In this case, a 43-year-old African American woman with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis had recurrent lower extremity myopathy and acute respiratory failure precipitated by noncompliance with treatment for Graves disease.

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Adult; Antithyroid Agents; Black or African American; Female; Graves Disease; Humans; Hyperthyroidism; Hypokalemia; Methimazole; Muscle Weakness; Paralysis; Potassium; Propranolol; Respiratory Insufficiency

Topics: Antithyroid Agents; Bronchitis; Drug Therapy; Humans; Hypothyroidism; Leprosy; Methimazole; Pharmacology; Pulmonary Emphysema; Respiratory Insufficiency; Silicosis; Thyroid Function Tests; Thyroid Gland