Hyperthyroidism as a precipitating factor of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a case report
Rosati, G.; Govoni, E.; Aiello, I.; Granieri, E.; Tola, R.; Bragaglia, M.M.
Acta Neurologica 2(3): 166-172
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-6276 PMID: 6893385 Document Number: 165324
A patient with Graves' disease who developed a progressive atrophy of the ponto-bulbar innervated muscles over a 6 yr follow-up is discussed. Clinical, electrophysiological and morphological findings were consistent with a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Morphological studies showed thyrotoxic myopathic changes. Thyrotoxicosis seemed to influence the clinical onset and the early course of the ALS. A topographical relationship was noted between the thyrotoxic neuromuscular signs and the initial manifestations of ALS. Thyrotoxicosis may have predisposed the patient to contract ALS.