Acta Medica Port
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Comparative Study Historical Article
[The myth of Apollo and Marsyas. Artistic representations and anatomical studies].
The authors analyze an interesting sculpture found in the gardens of a 17th Century palace in Lisbon, representing the myth of Apollo and Marsyas, which led them to compare the details of the sculpture of the flayed satyr with the previous anatomic studies by Leonardo da Vinci (cc.1510-1530) or Vesalius (cc.1543). The photographic material obtained from the 17th century Italian sculpture presents amazing similitude with these, earlier, 16th century anatomical studies. ⋯ Some of the artistic representations of surface anatomy depict other motives, as is the case of the self-portrait of Michelangelo, painted in the Sistine Chapel, in honour of St. Bartholomew.
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Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is characterized by recurrent episodes of muscle weakness and hypokalemia associated with thyroid hyperactivity. Reported predominantly among individuals of Asian descent, TPP is a rare manifestation of hyperthyroidism in western populations. We describe a typical case of TPP in a 33-year-old portuguese male, who presented with acute tetraparesis associated with hypokalemia (K+ 2.6 mEq/L). ⋯ The correction of the hyperthyroid function with metimazol and propranolol prevented further episodes of muscle weakness. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute episodes of motor paralysis in young patients. The maintenance of a euthyroid status is an essential part of management as this prevents the paralytic episodes.