Hypokaliemic rhabdomyolysis associated with liquorice ingestion: report of an atypical case

We here present an unusual case of hypokaliemic rhabdomyolysis, characterised by a sthenic deficit exclusively involving the distal muscles of the upper limbs and secondary to chronic glycyrrhizic acid intoxication, and by the absence of even ictal arterial hypertension.We discuss the etiopathogenetic bases and the risks related to the development of this secondary hypokaliemic syndrome, also in relation to other concomitant risk factors such as prolonged physical exercise and exposure to low temperatures.The study was supported in part by the Scuola di Specializzazione in Neurologia, Università degli Studi di Ferrara.     

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a patient with head injury

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is an idiosyncratic reaction associated with the use of neuroleptic drugs. We report a case of this rare syndrome in a head injury patient associated with some unusual features: rhabdomyolysis with a high level of creatine kinase, the development of acute renal failure, the early use of continuous venovenous haemofiltration in treatment and rigidity that was refractory to conventional treatment with dantrolene and bromocriptine. The diagnosis in patients with multiple injuries must be based on a high index of suspicion.     

药源性横纹肌溶解综合征回顾性分析

目的：了解药物所致横纹肌溶解综合征（RM）的发生情况及临床特点,提高防治水平。方法：收集与分析中国生物医学文献数据库及中国医院数字图书馆期刊全文库（1994年1月～2009年8月）药物所致RM的病例。结果：药物所致RM159例,口服给药比其他给药途径更易引起RM,有131人占总数的82.39%。发生于用药2个月内RM的有48例,占54.55%。常见药物有26种,按发生例数排序前4位的药物有：调节血脂药58例（占36.48%）排在首位,其中他汀类调节血脂药有49例。其次是乙醇32例（占20.13%）、有机磷农药30例（占18.87%）、阿片类药其中海洛因15例（占9.43%）。结论：许多常用药物均可引起RM,使其发病率日益增多,若不及时诊断,治疗常可威胁生命。     

Rhabdomyolysis and severe muscular weakness in a traveler diagnosed with Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus infection

Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) is a tick-borne flavivirus with high case fatality rates, endemic in the Arabian Peninsula. Recently AHFV was detected in travelers returning from Egypt suggesting geographical spreading. We also report AHFV infection in a traveler ex Egypt, representing atypical symptoms of rhabdomyolysis and severe muscular weakness.     

维库溴铵致横纹肌溶解1例分析

1例61岁男性因手术给予“维库溴铵、舒芬太尼、依托咪酯、右美托咪定、七氟烷、丙泊酚”后第2天出现肌酸激酶升高。后因病情加重转入ICU,给予“维库溴铵20 mg+0.9%氯化钠注射液50 mL微量泵泵入”7 d后,患者尿量减少、呈棕色,实验室检查肌酸激酶最高可至18 358 U·L^-1,肌红蛋白>3 000 ng·L^-1,诊断为横纹肌溶解症。停用维库溴铵,给予补液、碱化尿液、利尿等治疗后7 d,实验室检查示肌酸激酶7 212.4 U·L^-1、肌红蛋白>3 000 ng·L^-1。15 d后患者尿量增多、尿色正常,实验室检查示肌酸激酶95 U·L^-1、肌红蛋白506 ng·L^-1。至出院患者未再出现尿量减少、颜色改变情况,肌酸激酶等实验室检查未再发生异常。     

Diabetic ketoacidosis and rhabdomyolysis following excessive intake of a weight reducing diet

With the awareness of health problems related to obesity, weight reducing diets have become very popular. However, if these meal supplements are not taken as recommended, they can cause considerable harm in high risk individuals. We report a case of a young obese man who developed diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) followed by rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure (ARF) after excessive intake of a high carbohydrate containing weight-reducing meal. DKA associated with excessive intake of weight reducing diets has not been reported previously. In people with obesity and insulin resistance improper use of these supplements can cause severe metabolic complications.     

Compartment syndrome and rhabdomyolysis as a positioning complication following retrosigmoid craniotomy

The goal of surgical positioning is to provide optimal surgical access and visualization while maintaining the patient's safety, with the least physiological compromise. Here, we report a 30-year-old man with an unremarkable past medical history who developed superior vena cava syndrome after a 15-hour retrosigmoid craniotomy for removal of a right cerebellopontine (CP) angle tumor. Compartment syndrome from the head to neck and rhabdomyolysis were recognized, with extensive swelling of his head and neck, markedly swollen soft tissues and necrosis of multiple muscles revealed by computed tomography, and very high concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate transaminase. Immediate intensive care and rehabilitation therapy were provided and aimed at maintaining adequate perfusion/oxygenation and decreasing tissue pressure. He was successfully weaned from ventilation on postoperative day (POD) 25, transferred to a general ward on POD 29, and discharged with mild muscular and neurological sequelae on POD 51. Careful adjustment of surgical positioning is crucial for patient safety, especially when positioned at an extreme position in association with prolonged surgery.     

Clinical Presentation and Management of Severe Acute Renal Failure in McArdle Disease

McArdle disease, also known as glycogen storage disease type V, is an autosomal recessive disease due to the absence of myophosphorylase activity, leading to the complete disruption of glycogen breakdown in muscles. We present a rare case of a Caucasian male, aged 26 years, who developed rhabdomyolysis-induced acute renal failure and uremic encephalopathy. Neurological examination and histopathological studies supported the diagnosis of McArdle disease. The severity of his symptoms necessitated urgent hemodialysis, upon which the patient reported improvement in status. Acute renal failure in McArdle disease usually resolves with supportive treatment and maintenance of regular physical activity. Nevertheless, in more severe cases, intensive care with urgent hemodialysis may be needed. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the adequate management of similar cases.     

Acute Renal Failure Due to Rhabdomyolysis in Diabetic Patients

We report a 32-year-old Black man, admitted to the ICU with coma and severe metabolic disturbances due to diabetic ketoacidosis. During the admission, rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure (ARF) were diagnosed. After metabolic control and gradual decrease of creatine kinase levels, he presented a progressive improvement of renal function. We emphasize nontraumatic rhabdomyolysis as a poorly recognized pathogenetic factor for ARF in diabetic ketoacidosis and suggest that a better understanding of its mechanisms and an early application of protective measures is necessary.