Paralysie périodique thyréotoxique À propos d'un cas chez un sujet africain

Abstract

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is an unusual disease, more commonly reported among Asian populations. Its pathophysiology remains unclear. Hypokalemia is most probaly due to influx of potassium in muscle cells. This influx can depend or not on membrane cells Na-K-ATPase pumps. We report the case of a black African male patient. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis cases have rarely been reported in black populations in Europe (up to now cases reports were only in black Americans). The symptomatic treatment of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a medical emergency. Only an etiologic treatment can prevent the recurrence of attacks.