Endocrine neuromyopathies.

The myopathies associated with endocrine disorders range in clinical presentation from the relatively nonspecific pattern of proximal muscle weakness of glucocorticoid excess states to specific presentations of contractions produced in tetany. All endocrine neuromyopathies emphasize the role of skeletal muscle in protein, carbohydrate, and electrolyte metabolism. Hormonal abnormalities tend to compromise muscle force generation by indirect effects on muscle function. The recognition and effective treatment of all these disorders require the identification of the underlying hormonal imbalances and awareness of general medical problems produced by the endocrine disorders.