Rhabdomyolysis overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ayesha Javid, MBBS[2]
Overview
Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue due to traumatic injury, either mechanical, physical, or chemical. The principal result is a large release of the creatine kinase (CK) enzymes and other cell byproducts into the blood system and acute renal failure due to accumulation of muscle breakdown products, several of which are injurious to the kidney. Treatment is with intravenous fluids, and dialysis if necessary.
Causes
Injuries leading to rhabdomyolysis can be due to mechanical, physical, and chemical causes.
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
A physical usually reveals no abnormalities, but there may be tenderness, weakness, or atrophy.
Electrocardiogram
The EKG can show non specific ST T wave changes and T wave inversions. Despite the very high level of CK, the criteria for MI requires a 5% MB index (may vary by assay and gender).