Hyperthyroid hypokalemic periodic paralysis in a Hispanic male.

A case of hyperthyroid periodic paralysis in a Hispanic male is reported, the disorder in this race being described only once before. He presented with complete paralysis below the neck, and his admission potassium of 1.3 mEq/L is the lowest reported in the literature. Correction of the hypokalemia resolved his symptoms. Radionuclide imaging and thyroid function tests revealed the presence of hyperthyroidism which was managed medically. The pathophysiology of hyperthyroid hypokalemic periodic paralysis is discussed.