Electrocardiogram changes in Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis
A 29-year-old Asian male presented to the emergency department (ED) with symmetric paralysis of his lower extremities and weakness of his upper extremities that developed overnight. He had been recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism 10 days prior, after presenting with 4 months of palpitations, muscle pain, cramping, and stiffness. He was started on propranolol and methimazole at that time. After resolution of his original symptoms, he stopped taking the medications and presented to the ED with complete paralysis of his lower extremities.\nOn further history, it was discovered that over the preceding 4 months the patient had clinical features of TPP that had been subtle, with reports of transient lower extremity weakness occurring that resolved without medical intervention.\nOn physical exam, the patient had symmetrical weakness and was unable to move his legs, but able to move his upper body, with sensation still intact. Upon initial laboratory evaluation, the basic metabolic panel (BMP) demonstrated a potassium level of 1.7 milliequivalent (mEq/L). The free thyroxine (T3) level was elevated at greater than 8.8 ng/dL, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was decreased at 0.010 μlU/mL. The initial electrocardiogram (ECG) showed 1st degree heart block with prominent U waves (). The PR interval was prolonged to greater than 0.2 sec as seen in leads V1 & V5, and U waves were present in all leads. There were no prior ECGs to compare these findings. Treatment was initiated with slow potassium repletion, but the potassium continued to drop to 1.6 mEq/L and the ECG showed 2nd degree heart block, Mobitz Type I, best seen in Lead II and V1 ().\nThe development of this 2:1 AV block coincided with increased weakness of more proximal muscles and decrease in reflexes. However, the patient’s airway was never compromised because his respiratory muscles were always intact. The paralytic attack was aborted with a combination of cautious potassium replacement, methimazole and parenteral propranolol. The patient received initial doses of potassium chloride 10 mEq intravenously and 40 mEq orally. A repeat BMP 3 hours later revealed a potassium level of 3.10 mEq/L and magnesium level of 1.8 mmol/L. Subsequently, the PR interval was noted to shorten and the rhythm returned to normal sinus ().\nOur patient exhibited numerous ECG changes due to hypokalemia secondary to thyrotoxicosis, with associated thyrotoxic periodic paralysis. Symptoms resolved, along with the seen ECG changes, with cautious potassium repletion and control of the underlying thyrotoxicosis.