Endocrine and Toxic Myopathies

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Chapter 602 Endocrine and Toxic Myopathies

Thyroid Myopathies (See also Chapters 557562)

Thyrotoxicosis causes proximal weakness and wasting accompanied by myopathic electromyographic changes. Thyroxine binds to myofibrils and, if in excess, impairs contractile function. Hyperthyroidism can also induce myasthenia gravis and hypokalemic periodic paralysis.

Hypothyroidism, whether congenital or acquired, consistently produces hypotonia and a proximal distribution of weakness. Although muscle wasting is most characteristic, one form of cretinism, the Kocher-Debré-Sémélaigne syndrome, is characterized by generalized pseudohypertrophy of weak muscles. Infants can have a Herculean appearance reminiscent of myotonia congenita. The serum creatine kinase (CK) level is elevated in hypothyroid myopathy and returns to normal after thyroid replacement therapy.

Results of muscle biopsy in hypothyroidism reveal acute myopathic changes, including myofiber necrosis and sometimes central cores. In hyperthyroidism, the muscle biopsy specimen shows only mild, nonspecific myopathic changes without necrosis of myofibers.

The clinical and pathologic features of hyperthyroid myopathy and hypothyroid myopathy resolve after appropriate treatment of the thyroid disorder. Many of the systemic symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including myopathic weakness and ophthalmoparesis, improve with the administration of β-blockers.

Most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (Chapter 567) develop weakness, fatigability, fasciculations, and muscle wasting that is reversible after removal of the parathyroid adenoma. The serum CK and muscle biopsy remain normal, but the electromyography can show nonspecific myopathic features. A minority of patients develop myotonia that could be confused with myotonic dystrophy.