Unveiling Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis: A Rare Hyperthyroid Complication.

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism that manifests as recurrent episodes of flaccid paralysis, hypokalemia, and thyrotoxicosis. It can occur in patients with or without a prior diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, and its diagnosis is relatively straightforward once low serum potassium levels and elevated thyroid hormones are evident. However, due to the rarity of the disease, it is seldom the primary diagnosis, and a differential diagnosis must be made with other neurological diseases that resemble the paralysis picture, including Guillain-Barre syndrome. Treatment consists of potassium replacement and management of hyperthyroidism. In this article, we present the clinical case of a previously healthy 24-year-old Latino patient without a history of hyperthyroidism who rapidly developed quadriplegia following intramuscular dexamethasone administration. During his hospital stay, severe hypokalemia and elevated serum thyroid hormone levels were evident, leading to the diagnosis of TPP. Treatment with intravenous potassium and antithyroid medications was initiated, resulting in complete remission of the condition and recovery of mobility in all four limbs. Subsequently, a thyroid ultrasound revealed a thyroid nodule as the cause of thyrotoxicosis. The aim of this work is to raise awareness of a rare disease in the Mexican population, its clinical characteristics, complications, and appropriate treatment and control of recurrent episodes.