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Metabolic myopathy in hypothyroidism

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Clinical features central to a myopathy associated with hypothyroidism include:

  • muscular pains
  • stiffness
  • cramps, not necessarily associated with weakness
  • slowed muscle relaxation, most clearly seen following a tendon jerk

The delay in relaxation is not due to repetitive muscle excitation - as in myotonia - but is probably the result of a reduced rate of cross-bridge uncoupling.

There may be frank muscle weakness in some patients, and the muscles may be firm to palpation and enlarged.

Investigations reveal a raised creatine kinase and fibre atrophy seen on muscle biopsy.


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