Neurológia pre prax 1/2012

Neuromuscular disorders in thyroid disease

Thyroid gland dysfunction is beside diabetes mellitus the most common endocrinopathy. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism may cause signs and symptoms of neuromuscular dysfunction. Hypothyroidism is associated with clinical neuromuscular features in 79 % and hyperthyroidism in 67 % patients. Proximal myopathy, sensorimotor axonal neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome are the most common disorders in hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism (Graves Basedow disease) may cause hyperthyroid myopathy, thyrotoxic periodic paralysis and thyroid-associated ophtalmopathy. Peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy is rare. Neuromuscular symptoms and signs usually recover completely when thyroid gland dysfunction is corrected.

Keywords: electromyography, endocrine myopathy, Graves ophtalmopathy, peripheral neuropaty, thyreopathy.