Pathophysiology and clinical presentations of rhabdomyolysis

Subacute Cardiomyopathy Due to Statin Treatment: Can It Be True?-Case Report and Literature Review

Background and Clinical Significance: Statins are a widely used drug class associated with a plethora of muscular side effects ranging from the subclinical elevation of creatine kinase to fulminant rhabdomyolysis. Cardiac myopathy secondary to statin treatment is rare and was recently reported as a part of statin-induced necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (SINAM). Its occurrence outside of this context is still debated. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 60-year-old male who developed atorvastatin-induced rhabdomyolysis, without associated hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) antibodies, with clinical findings of cardiac failure and severe ECG anomalies. The symptoms slowly regressed with statin withdrawal, and the patient made a full recovery. We discuss the recently proposed statin-associated cardiomyopathy (SACM) and the possible mechanisms. We compare our case to the three other cases of statin-induced cardiac myositis found in the literature. Conclusions: We believe that in vulnerable patients, as was our case, statins can determine significant subacute cardiac toxicity. This would seem to occur in the context of severe skeletal muscle injury, probably due to higher metabolic resistance on the part of the myocardium. Also, the available evidence suggests myocardial involvement should be actively investigated in SINAM patients, preferably by cardiac MRI.

Factors Associated with Acute Kidney Injury Occurrence and Prognosis in Rhabdomyolysis at the Emergency Department

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to analyze patients with rhabdomyolysis who presented to emergency departments and identify their distribution of related disease and prognostic factors. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with rhabdomyolysis who presented to emergency departments over a 10-year period. Patient data, including patients' demographic variables (sex and age), mode of arrival, final diagnosis, statin use, rhabdomyolysis trigger factors, and levels of serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK), myoglobin, creatinine, sodium, potassium, phosphate, calcium, and lactate, were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the predictive factors of acute kidney injury (AKI). Results: Among the patients, 268 (65.6%) were found to have trigger factors without underlying diseases. Furthermore, 115 (28.2%) patients developed AKI. This comprehensive study sheds light on the diverse factors influencing the occurrence of AKI in rhabdomyolysis and provides insights into AKI predictive markers. Furthermore, we analyzed the cases by dividing them into six groups: occurrence of AKI, occurrence of infection, and simple or complex rhabdomyolysis. CPK time course was found to be important in clinical prognosis, such as AKI occurrence, dialysis or not, and mortality. Conclusions: Age, statin use, elevated creatinine and lactate levels, and initial serum CPK level emerged as significant predictors of AKI. CPK time course was also found to be an important factor in predicting the clinical outcomes of patients with rhabdomyolysis.

Hamstring Muscle Cramp Visualized on Bone Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography Hybrid Imaging

ABSTRACT

It is well recognized that bone-seeking radiotracers localize in muscles sustaining an injury from various causes (e.g., strenuous physical activity, trauma, hereditary myopathies, inflammatory myositides, medications, electrical burns, etc.). This report presents the case of an active 50-yr-old man (body mass index = 29) that was recently referred to our nuclear medicine department for bone scintigraphy, for the skeletal staging of a newly diagnosed prostate adenocarcinoma. The scan findings were unremarkable for its oncological indication but revealed extraosseous radiotracer absorption in the medial region of the hamstrings bilaterally. Hybrid scintitomography (single-photon emission computed tomography) with computed tomography indicated that this uptake involved the semitendinosus muscle. On a more meticulous repeat history questioning, he recalled experiencing muscle cramps on both posterior thighs 5 days earlier, during intense work-related physical activity (plumbing) under warm environmental conditions. The combination of strenuous exercise with likely dehydration contributed to bilateral self-limiting heat cramps of the hamstrings, leading to an inconsequential localized minor rhabdomyolysis that was discovered coincidentally a few days later during a bone scan. Although extraskeletal absorption of bone-seeking radiotracers in muscles is widely documented as a result of exertion or injury, this is the first report of radiotracer absorption induced by cramping.

Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score for Prediction of Mortality of Patients With Rhabdomyolysis Following Exertional Heatstroke: A Longitudinal Cohort Study in Southern China

Background: Heatstroke is a medical emergency that causes multi-organ injury and death without intervention, but limited data are available on the illness scores in predicting the outcomes of exertional heat stroke (EHS) with rhabdomyolysis (RM). The aim of our study was to investigate the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score in predicting mortality of patients with RM after EHS. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed, which included all patients with EHS admitted into the intensive care unit (ICU) of General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of Peoples Liberation Army from January 2008 to June 2019. RM was defined as creatine kinase (CK) > 1,000 U/L. Data, including the baseline data at admission, vital organ function indicators, and 90-day mortality, were reviewed. Results: A total of 176 patients were enrolled; among them, 85 (48.3%) had RM. Patients with RM had a significantly higher SOFA score (4.0 vs. 3.0, p = 0.021), higher occurrence rates of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (53.1 vs. 18.3%, p < 0.001) and acute liver injury (ALI) (21.4 vs. 5.5%, p = 0.002) than patients with non-RM. RM was positively correlated with ALI and DIC, and the correlation coefficients were 0.236 and 0.365, respectively (both p-values <0.01). Multivariate logistics analysis showed that the SOFA score [odds ratio (OR) 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.6, p = 0.024] was the risk factor for 90-day mortality in patients with RM after EHS, with the area under the curve (AUC) 0.958 (95% CI 0.908-1.000, p < 0.001) and the optimal cutoff 7.5 points. Conclusions: Patients with RM after EHS have severe clinical conditions, which are often accompanied by DIC or ALI. The SOFA score could predict the prognosis of patients with RM with EHS. Early treatment strategies based on decreasing the SOFA score at admission may be pivotal to reduce the 90-day mortality of patients with EHS.

Case Report: A COVID-19 Patient Presenting with Mild Rhabdomyolysis

The news was reported from the Wuhan region of China about a novel corona virus in the end of 2019. After spreading around the world, a pandemic was declared by the WHO. Depending on the different involvement of the disease, the most common symptoms are fever, cough, and dyspnea. However, some indeterminate symptoms that make diagnosis difficult, such as myalgia and fatigue, can also be seen alone, without the typical clinical picture. We describe a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia, the only complaint of which is myalgia, and the first diagnosis is mild rhabdomyolysis. The patient had no evidence or history other than viral infection that could explain muscle pain and also increased level of muscle enzymes. When mild rhabdomyolysis lack of myoglobinuria and complications was diagnosed, treatment-related rhabdomyolysis was also avoided as no treatment related to COVID-19 was initiated yet. Apart from the typical symptoms leading to the typical diagnosis of COVID-19 at the first admission, SARS-CoV-2 related with rhabdomyolysis should also be kept in mind.

Cocaine and Alcohol Co-Ingestion-Induced Severe Rhabdomyolysis With Acute Kidney Injury Culminating in Hemodialysis-Dependent End-Stage Renal Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review

Cocaine toxicity is associated with several organ dysfunctions, including acute kidney injury (AKI). Rhabdomyolysis is the most likely mechanism that mediates AKI, and associated alcohol co-ingestion can amplify the situation. AKI, if severe, can result in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). All patients with cocaine intoxication should be screened for rhabdomyolysis and AKI along with testing for other drug toxicity, including alcohol. Aggressive measures should be taken to treat the underlying cause that contributes to AKI, and the patients need to be educated about this severe condition. Our patient is a unique case where cocaine and alcohol co-ingestion led to severe rhabdomyolysis, AKI, and subsequently developed ESRD requiring ongoing hemodialysis (HD). He was on daily cocaine and alcohol co-ingestion for seven days and subsequently developed AKI with oliguria from rhabdomyolysis. His creatine kinase (CK) was significantly elevated to 141974 IU/L, and his serum creatinine was 11 mg/dl. Despite aggressive intravenous hydration, his kidney function did not improve, and he ended up needing HD for more than one year despite abstaining from cocaine.

Histopathological kidney changes and myoglobinuria in neotropical non-human primates attacked by dogs, Brazil

BACKGROUND

Non-human primates (NHPs) are susceptible to dogs' attacks, events that may cause muscle damage along with stress, and could be in some extent compatible with capture myopathy, a syndrome that results in myoglobinuria and renal damage.

METHODS

We aimed to evaluate by histopathology pre-existing lesions and subsequent sequelae related to dogs' attacks, acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and myoglobinuria, as well as the usefulness of Pearls Stain and IHC to diagnose it. Histopathology was performed in available organs, and sections of kidney submitted to Prussian blue stain and myoglobin immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

During January 2014-June 2016, 16/145 (11%) of NHPs received by Adolfo Lutz Institute, Brazil were reported as attacked by dogs. A high frequency of young and debilitated animals was found. Myoglobinuria was observed in more than half animals (9/16; 56.2%), from which (5/9; 55.5%) presented ATN.

CONCLUSIONS

Kidney lesions are plausible findings in NHPs attacked by dogs.

A serious adverse drug reaction probably induced by clonazepam: a case report of myotoxicity

Background

The adverse drug reactions (ADRs) related to clonazepam are mild, and only two cases of myotoxicity induced by clonazepam have been reported, with both patients recovering well. We present a unique case of a serious ADR outcome after taking clonazepam.

Case presentation

A 24-year-old woman with a long-standing history of polio and a 2-year history of epilepsy developed a serious ADR after repeated exposure to oral clonazepam combined with sodium valproate that manifested as myotoxicity and elevated levels of creatine phosphokinase. The patient is currently bedridden and unable to take care of herself.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be vigilant of the possibility of myotoxicity induced by clonazepam, especially in specific populations such as polio patients or when clonazepam is used in combination therapies.

Rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury in a patient with undifferentiated connective tissue disease: A case report and literature review rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI in a patient with UCTD

RATIONALE

Acute kidney injury (AKI) accounts for 8% to 16% of hospital admissions and can quadruple hospital mortality, placing a serious burden on the health economy. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is mainly caused by dehydration, shock, infection, sepsis, heart disease, or as a side-effect of nephrotoxic drugs. About 10% to 60% of patients with rhabdomyolysis develop AKI, and 10% of AKI is attributable to rhabdomyolysis. However, rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI secondary to undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) has rarely been reported before.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report the case of a 50-year-old male of UCTD presented with dark brown urine, swelling and edema of the upper limbs, and decreased urine output.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI secondary to UCTD.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was successfully treated with intravenous methylprednisolone with other supportive treatment.

OUTCOMES

After 3 days of initiating treatment of medicinal charcoal tablets, sodium bicarbonate and intravenous fluids upon admission, the patient's serum creatinine changed mildly from 145.0 μmol/L to 156.0 μmol/L, but the urinary output increased from 1000 mL/24 h to 2400 mL/24 h, with his creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin rose from 474 IU/L to 962 IU/L and from 641.5ng/mL to 1599 ng/mL, respectively. We then tried to empirically initiate UCTD therapy by giving corticosteroids. After the administration of the 40 mg of methylprednisolone daily, the serum creatinine level dropped to 97 μmol/L the second day, CK decreased to 85 IU/L within 1 week and myoglobin decreased to 65.05 ng/mL within 10 days. When maintenance dose of 4 mg daily was given, the patient showed no abnormalities in creatinine or CK levels.

LESSONS

There have been few reports on the association between rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI and UCTD and its mechanism remains unclear. Clinicians should be aware of UCTD as a possible cause to rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI.

Rhabdomyolysis - Go big or go home

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the occurrence of renal injury in hospitalized patients with the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis among a series of patients presenting to an urban emergency department.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review between January 2006 and February 2017 was conducted on patients aged 21-65 years old that were admitted with a diagnosis of Rhabdomyolysis. We included patients with an initial serum creatinine (Cr) level < 1.3 mg/dL and an initial serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level > 1000 U/L. We excluded patients with preexisting renal disease, hypertension, diabetes, patients currently on medications in the statin class, patients with muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular disorders.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifteen patients (100 men, 15 women) were enrolled, with a mean age of 36 years old. The mean CPK at presentation was 18,965 U/L and the highest CPK was 168,300 U/L. The mean Cr upon presentation was 0.95 mg/dL. The average length of stay of our patients was 4.6 days. The longest length of stay was 30 days and the shortest was 1 day. Seven patients had hospital stays longer than 10 days. None of the patients had prolonged admissions due to rhabdomyolysis alone. The patient admitted for 30 days had a protracted admission due to liver failure and sepsis thought to be unrelated to Rhabdomyolysis. No patients that fit our inclusion criteria developed renal insufficiency (Cr > 1.3 mg/dL) or failure regardless of their CPK upon presentation, peak CPK or therapies received during their hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

Patients in our data set that presented to the Emergency Department with a CPK of >1000 U/L and a Cr of <1.3 mg/dL that were hospitalized with a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis are not at risk for developing renal insufficiency or failure if treated promptly with fluid rehydration, regardless of their initial CPK values.

Rhabdomyolysis following minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: Case report

Background:

Rhabdomyolysis results from the release of large quantities of muscle cell contents into plasma resulting in a classic triad of symptoms – muscle pain, weakness, and brown urine. Only a handful of rhabdomyolysis cases occurring after spinal surgery have been reported.

Case Description:

A 36-year-old male underwent an uneventful right-sided, minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (miTLIF) for intractable lower back pain and right lower extremity radiculopathy attributed to L4-S1 degenerative spondylosis (DS). Postoperatively, the patient complained of intractable lower extremity pain resistant to medical management. He was subsequently diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, and aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation resulted in complete recovery.

Conclusions:

Rhabdomyolysis should be diagnosed and treated promptly with aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation to avoid acute kidney injury following miTLIF surgery.

Characteristic MR image finding of squatting exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis of the thigh muscles

OBJECTIVE

To describe the characteristic MRI appearance of squatting-induced rhabdomyolysis involving the thigh muscles.

METHODS

This study consisted of 10 cases obtained at 3 institutions from 2005 to 2015. A retrospective review was performed to obtain clinical information and MR scans for rhabdomyolysis of the thigh muscles. MRI was analyzed according to the distribution and degree of muscle involvement; the degree was assessed and graded as normal, mild or prominent.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 20.2 years (range, 15-24 years), and 7 of the 10 patients were male. All patients had history of excessive squatting action, suffered clinically from bilateral thigh pain and were confirmed to have rhabdomyolysis through analysis of serum creatine kinase (CK) levels. All of the patients (10/10) exhibited diffuse mild to prominent degree involvement of the anterior thigh muscles according to fluid-sensitive MR sequences. Among the anterior thigh muscles, the rectus femoris was spared in 8 patients (8/10) and mild degree involved in 2 patients (2/10). Thus, no cases exhibited prominent degree involvement of the rectus femoris muscle.

CONCLUSION

Preservation of the rectus femoris muscle on MRI in squatting-induced rhabdomyolysis may be useful for differentiating rhabdomyolysis from other aetiologies. Advances in knowledge: Preservation of rectus femoris on MRI is distinguishable finding in squatting-induced rhabdomyolysis and reflects the functional anatomy of anterior thigh muscles.

Nephrotoxicity of methadone: a systematic review

Background

Methadone is commonly administered for chronic pain relief and treatment of opioid dependence. Concurrent with its increased consumption, toxicities and fatalities have increased. One of the adverse effects of opioid analgesics, including methadone, is that of nephrotoxicity. Opioids can have an effect on renal function through several different mechanisms.

Methods

We searched common bibliographical databases for the terms methadone, toxicity, poisoning, kidney, renal, and nephrotoxicity and summarize our findings in this review.

Results

Methadone can have both direct and indirect effects on the kidney. These effects include rhabdomyolysis (leading to acute kidney injury), volumetric changes, renal lipidosis and amyloidosis, kidney growth during pregnancy, and kidney transplant rejection.

Conclusion

Improved understanding of the effects of methadone on kidney function can promote safer and more confident use of the drug.

Gabapentin-Induced Severe Myopathy

Objective:

To report and discuss a case of rhabdomyolysis in an elderly patient with neuropathic pain who was treated with gabapentin.

Case Summary:

An 85-year-old diabetic woman was hospitalized for severe pain in her lower limbs and difficulty in walking, compromising her daily activities. On admission, the woman's laboratory parameters, including creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin, were in the normal range. Neurologic evaluation suggested a diagnosis of diabetic neuropathic pain, and therapy with gabapentin 150 mg 3 times daily was started. On the same day, the patient developed psychomotor agitation and gastric pain, which were treated with haloperidol 10 mg and lansoprazole 30 mg, respectively. In the following hours, the severity of muscular pain increased and the patient developed myopathy with acute renal failure (CK 459 U/L, myoglobin 11 437 ng/mL, creatinine 4.59 mg/dL), which worsened progressively during the next 2 days (CK 3095 U/L, myoglobin 17 000 mg/dL, creatinine 4.77 mg/dL) despite discontinuation of haloperidol and lansoprazole. No signs of trauma or edema, suggesting possible compartmental or crush syndrome, were detected. Gabapentin was then withdrawn and the patient's condition rapidly improved. Complete recovery followed in about 10 days.

Discussion:

Severe myopathy is an unexpected adverse reaction to gabapentin therapy. In this patient, a possible contribution of haloperidol or lansoprazole to the adverse event cannot be excluded. However, worsening of the clinical picture despite discontinuation of these drugs, together with rapid improvement observed after withdrawal of gabapentin, strongly suggest a causative role of gabapentin. According to the Naranjo probability scale, gabapentin was the probable cause of myopathy in this patient. The mechanism by which gabapentin may induce myopathy is unknown. The early onset of the syndrome after initiation of treatment with gabapentin in therapeutic doses is compatible with the picture of an idiosyncratic adverse response.

Conclusions:

Pathogenetic and clinical investigations are required to explore what mechanisms account for gabapentin-related muscular alterations at the time of onset, including electromyographic recordings as well as muscle and nerve histopathologic examinations. Until more information is available, clinicians should consider the possibility of discontinuing gabapentin treatment in patients showing muscular pain and signs of myopathy.

Is dilution important: Factitious Total Creatine Kinase in case of Rhabdomyolysis?

Factitious test reports may result in incorrect diagnosis and incorrect management. Such incorrect diagnosis can be prevented by a vigilant biochemist. We report a case of Rhabdomyolysis presenting with extremely low total Creatine Kinase (CK) levels which was factitious. Running the sample in dilution resulted in a very high value of total CK which could have been missed if the sample was not run in dilution and the diagnosis of Rhabdomyolysis could have been missed.

Potential factors involved in the causation of rhabdomyolysis following status asthmaticus

Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of status asthmaticus. Since the first case was reported in 1978, only a few dozen cases have been described till date. We performed a literature review with the aim to characterize the pathophysiological basis of the occurrence of rhabdomyolysis in patients with status asthmaticus. Excessive exertion of respiratory muscles, hypoxia and acidosis, electrolyte imbalance, infections, some drugs used for asthma control, use of mechanical ventilation, prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation, higher age of the patient and some underlying diseases or genetic factors appear to be involved in its causation. In patients with status asthmaticus, it is important to pay more attention to these factors and to closely monitor creatine kinase levels in blood so as to ensure early detection of rhabdomyolysis.

Olanzapine overdose is associated with acute muscle toxicity

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic that is reported to cause myopathy and raised creatine kinase (CK) levels. The prevalence and severity of acute myopathy after deliberate olanzapine ingestion are unclear. Therefore, we reviewed casenotes from 64 consecutive patients admitted to our institution after olanzapine overdose. Overall, serum CK was higher than five times the upper limit of normal in 17% of patients. The prevalence of raised CK values was positively correlated with the stated quantity of olanzapine ingested, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship for acute muscle toxicity. There was an apparent delay of 12 hours or more between olanzapine ingestion and the occurrence of maximum CK. Despite the high prevalence of acute muscle toxicity after olanzapine ingestion, none of the patients developed renal failure.

Rhabdomyolysis among acute human poisoning cases

Rhabdomyolysis is a clinical and biochemical syndrome occurring when skeletal muscle cells erupt and result in release of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and myoglobin into the interstitial space and plasma. Mechanical trauma, compression, excessive muscle activity and ischemia are frequent causes, but non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis is usually caused by a toxic reaction to drugs.

In this study, 181 patients suspected of rhabdomyolysis were admitted to the poisoning center of Loghman-Hakim Hospital in Tehran during one year (September 2004 to September 2005) were studied. Patients were included on the basis of physical examination and blood analysis for CPK and LDH. Rhabdomyolysis was confirmed if CPK level has been greater than 975 U/L. Out of 181 patients, 64 were female and 117 were male with an age range between 13—78 years. One-hundred and forty-three (79%) patients had CPK greater than 975 U/L. In 6% of the cases, multiple drug poisoning were observed. Two patients (1.1%) had muscle pain, five patients (2.8%) had rigidity and five patients (2.8%) had muscle inflammation. One-hundred and nineteen patients (65.7%) were febrile. The most common cause of rhabdomyolysis was opium. Blood ALT showed an increase in 109 patients (60.9%), AST in 80 patients (44.7%), and LDH in 144 patients (79.6%). Fifty patients (28.2%) had higher blood direct bilirubin and 64 patients (36.4%) showed higher total bilirubin. Six percent of patients had been diagnosed as ARF by indication of creatinine greater than 1.4 mg/dL. Five percent of patients had hypernatremia and 1.1% of patients had hyperkalemia.

It is concluded that rhabdomyolysis is a matter of concern in human poisonings and needs special approach to attend. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26: 557—561.

Diclofenac- and Pantoprazole-Induced Rhabdomyolysis: A Potential Drug Interaction

Background

Drugs represent one of the etiologic causes of acute rhabdomyolysis (AR) with drug-induced rhabdomyolysis most commonly associated with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. AR etiology can also result from the use of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor. Cases of AR triggered by pantoprazole have never before been reported, although it has been observed that its inclusion in multiple drug therapies can result in muscle events.

Case presentation

A 45-year-old man presenting with complaints of fatigue and extensive body pain was diagnosed with acute rhabdomyolysis. His symptoms started on the fourth day of the concomitant use of diclofenac and pantoprazole. The patient was using diclofenac 50-mg tablets once daily for 1 month and pantoprazole 40-mg tablets once daily during the previous week for headaches and pyrosis, resulting in an increase in his creatinine kinase levels to 3114 IU/L (reference range 24–190 IU/L) on the fifth day of concomitant use. His creatinine kinase levels returned to normal and his complaints disappeared after the seventh day of discontinuation of both treatments.

Discussion

A third case of diclofenac-induced rhabdomyolysis was defined in which, different from previous cases, AR was detected during the concomitant use of diclofenac and pantoprazole. The timing of the symptom development and the limited number of AR cases induced by diclofenac and pantoprazole suggested a drug interaction.

Conclusion

The close relationship between diclofenac and pantoprazole, and the cytochrome P450 and P-glycoprotein systems offers a strong indication that a drug interaction may be occurring. While evaluating the side effects of drugs in patients undergoing monotherapy, clinicians should also consider the mechanisms that play a part in drug absorption and distribution.

Clinical characteristics of patients after dicamba herbicide ingestion

OBJECTIVE

Despite a widespread use of dicamba herbicide and numerous animal model studies, there had not been studies on acute toxicity of this chemical compound in human subjects following ingestion. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate clinical characteristics of dicamba poisoning and to guide physicians treating patients intoxicated with dicamba herbicide.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A retrospective observational case series was conducted for 14 patients with history of dicamba herbicide ingestion. Data were collected for clinical manifestation, patient management, and final outcome.

RESULT

The most common symptom was altered mental state (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 14). Laboratory abnormalities were elevations in lactate, and creatine kinase, metabolic acidosis (pH < 7.35, and HCO3(-) < 20 mmol/L), and elevated lipase. QTc prolongation was commonly observed. These abnormal clinical findings had normalized within two days of supportive treatment after dicamba ingestion. One patient did demonstrate corrosive esophagitis.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Acute toxicity of dicamba herbicide in human following oral exposure was manageable with supportive treatment. However, physician should take into account for corrosive effect on GI tract, rhabdomyolysis, or acute pancreatitis.

Rhabdomyolysis in an elderly multitreated patient: multiple drug interactions after statin withdrawal

Rhabdomyolysis precipitated by multitherapy is most frequently described during statin treatment, due to impairment of statin clearance by drugs sharing cytochrome P450 biotransformation pathway. Modulation of membrane transporters for drug efflux, operated by substrates, can also affect drugs' tissue levels. We report rhabdomyolysis in an elderly patient, in multitreatment with different potentially myotoxic medications, taking place seven months after atorvastatin discontinuation. Affected by ischaemic heart disease, arterial hypertension and dementia-related behaviour disturbances, the patient was receiving angiotensin 2-receptor inhibitors, beta-blockers, vasodilators, diuretics, salycilates, allopurinol, proton pump inhibitors, antipsychotics and antidepressants. He had taken atorvastatin for 14 years, with constantly normal creatine-kinase plasma levels. Two months after addition of the antianginal drug ranolazine, creatine-kinase mildly increased and atorvastatin was withdrawn. Nonetheless, creatine-kinase progressively rose, with severe weakness and rhabdomyolysis developing seven months later. Muscle biopsy showed a necrotizing myopathy with no inflammation or autoimmune changes. After ranolazine withdrawal, creatine-kinase and myoglobin returned to normal levels and strength was restored. Several psychotropic and cardiovascular medications prescribed to the patient share either cytochrome P450 biotransformation and permeability-glycoprotein efflux transport. In the event of cardiovascular/neuropsychiatric polypharmacy in geriatric patients, the risk of muscle severe adverse effects from pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction should be considered beyond the direct myotoxicity of statins.

Rhabdomyolysis as a presenting manifestation of very long-chain acyl-coenzyme a dehydrogenase deficiency

Very long-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency (MIM 201475) is a rare inherited disorder with three forms of clinical presentation: a severe early-onset form; an intermediate form with childhood onset; and an adult-onset form, of mild severity. During adolescence and adulthood, exercise intolerance, myalgia and recurrent episodes of rhabdomyolysis are the main clinical features. The authors present a case of a 13-year old female, with severe myalgia and dark urine after prolonged exercise. Analytical evaluation showed marked elevation plasma creatine kinase and myoglobin. The increased levels of tetradecenoyl carnitine in patient’s dried blood spot suggested a VLCAD deficiency, which was confirmed by molecular study. Family history is remarkable for first grade consanguinity of parents and a 19-year old brother with records of repeated similar episodes after moderate intensity physical efforts which was subsequently also diagnosed with VLCAD deficiency. This is one of the first cases of late-onset of disease diagnosed in Portugal.

Rhabdomyolysis after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a case report

Gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis is a disease with a poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal perioperative chemotherapy (HIPEC) can improve prognosis, although in most cases this should still be considered as a palliative treatment. Therefore, morbidity has to be avoided at all cost as quality of life is of utmost importance. We describe the case of a 64-year-old female with an adenocarcinoma of the stomach that was initially treated with a Billroth II gastrectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During follow-up, the diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis was made, and the patient was referred for CRS and HIPEC. Postoperatively, she developed rhabdomyolysis in both gastrocnemius muscles. Renal function remained within normal limits, but ultrasonography of the lower legs suggested the presence of bilateral abscesses. Drainage with pigtail catheters was necessary for more than 1 month, significantly impairing quality of life. The objective of this case report is to heighten awareness for this complication. Rhabdomyolysis is a rare complication of CRS and HIPEC, with a significant impact on quality of life. Prevention is necessary and can be achieved by adequate surgical positioning, using the altered lithotomy position, sufficient padding and by preventing hypovolemia.

Capture myopathy in live-stranded cetaceans

A group of 51 cetaceans that had been stranded alive on the coasts of the Canary Islands, experienced human capture/rescue interactions and then died, were necropsied over a 12-year period. Of these cetaceans, 25 had haemodynamic lesions indicative of multiorganic vascular shock, degenerative muscle lesions affecting both skeletal and cardiac muscles and myoglobinuric nephrosis typical of capture myopathy (CM). Because macroscopic lesions in muscles and kidneys were not always obvious, a standard protocol was developed where the longissimus dorsi muscle was examined histologically for segmental hypercontraction, contraction band necrosis and segmental muscular degeneration and cardiomyocytes studied for hypereosinophilic wavy fibres, sarcolemmal and perinuclear vacuolation and contraction band necrosis. Light microscopic skeletal and cardiac muscle lesions in all CM animals were confirmed as ante mortem by immunohistochemical assay for myoglobin loss from and fibrinogen entry into affected myofibres. All animals had tubular nephrosis with casts and tubular myoglobin. The oxidative stress-related marker HSP70 was demonstrated immunohistochemically in tubular epithelium. Although the syndrome related to death of live-stranded cetaceans is multifactorial, this study documents that a clinicopathological syndrome comparable to CM of terrestrial wildlife has a role in stranding outcomes.

On the mechanisms underlying poisoning-induced rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure

ABSTRACT The clinical syndrome of rhabdomyolysis is caused by injury of skeletal muscles resulting in release of intracellular muscle constituents. Drug poisoning is one of the causes of severe rhabdomyolysis. Severe electrolyte disorders and acute renal failure may occur in rhabdomyolysis, leading to life-threatening situations. Early initiation of renal replacement therapy can help improve outcome. In the present retrospective study, medical records of 181 patients suspected of rhabdomyolysis from Loghman-Hakim Hospital in the period of 2004 to 2005 were reviewed. A creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) value of greater than five times normal (>/=975 IU/L) was the basis for confirmation of a rhabdomyolysis diagnosis. An increased serum creatinine level of more than 30% was the basis for acute renal failure diagnosis. Out of 156 patients, 100 were male with an age range of 13 to 78 years. One hundred and two (92%) patients had CPK >975 U/L, and 36 patients (28.6%) had a 30% or more increase in their creatinine level during their admission days. Mean fluid intake was the same in patients with renal failure and those without renal failure. In 8.3% of the cases, multiple drug poisoning was observed. The most common compound overdose associated with rhabdomyolysis was opium. It is concluded that fluid therapy alone is not adequate in the management of acute renal failure in rhabdomyolysis. Therefore, other etiological factors are involved that remain to be elucidated by further studies.

MRI quantitative study and pathologic analysis of crush injury in rabbit hind limb muscles

BACKGROUND

To explore the value of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (i.e., T2 map technique) in the diagnosis of crush injury in rabbit hind limb muscles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established a rabbit hind limb crush injury model and performed examinations on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (T1WI, T2WI, and T2 map), muscle pathology, serum level of muscular troponin (sTnI), and urine myoglobin (Myo) at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 d after injury to investigate the correlation of MRI, library examination, and histopathology.

RESULTS

T2WI of the injured muscle showed high signal intensity at 1, 3, and 7 d after crush injury and the T2 value continued to rise. The pathologic findings of the muscle included swollen and ruptured cells, expanded extra-cellular space, inflammatory reactions, and fine muscle fiber regeneration. The serum sTnI and urine Myo were high. At 14 d, these indices returned to normal gradually. The T2WI changes and T2 value were positively associated with the pathological changes of the muscles, serum sTnI and urine Myo. However, the signal intensity of T1WI did not vary significantly at different time points.

CONCLUSION

T2WI and T2 value from T2 mapping are very useful methods of choice to evaluate the distribution and extension of the affected muscles. The high signal intensity on T2WI of the affected muscles after crush injury may be due to an increased extracellular space, local inflammation, and incomplete muscle fiber regeneration.

Assessment of serum creatine kinase among adolescent patients following jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) and moonflower (Datura inoxia) ingestions: a review of 11 cases

INTRODUCTION

Datura stramonium (DS) (jimsonweed) is well known for its abuse potential for hallucinogenic effects and Datura inoxia (DI) (moonflower) has been abused for similar effects. To our knowledge, only one case report describes rhabdomyolysis in association with DS or DI ingestion.

CASE IDENTIFICATION AND DETAILS

Patient hospital charts were retrospectively screened from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2007 to identify patients with qualifying ICD-9 codes for toxic plant ingestions. We report on 11 patient cases of DS/DI ingestions in which serum creatine kinase (CK) concentrations were monitored. These admissions occurred at our hospital over a 6-year period. Serum CK concentrations ranged from 72 to 70,230 U/L. Only three patients had serum CK concentrations greater than 1,000 U/L. One patient with a peak concentration of 70,230 U/L and a positive myoglobinuria was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis.

DISCUSSION

Based on our review of the literature and these cases, it is possible that serum CK concentrations may be elevated more frequently than previously realized. The clinical significance of this abnormal laboratory value is uncertain with the majority of patients remaining asymptomatic without any clinical evidence of rhabdomyolysis.

[McArdle disease revealed by exercise intolerance associated with severe rhabdomyolysis]

McArdle's disease (MAD) is a rare hereditary myopathy secondary to a deficit in myophosphorylase, an essential enzyme for the use of muscular glycogen reserves. Exercise intolerance to a variable degree is the fundamental manifestation. Muscular enzymes are usually normal or slightly elevated, except during episodes of rhabdomyolysis. Generally, the electromyogram has poor sensitivity for the diagnosis of exercise myopathies. The muscular biopsy can be misleadingly normal. The role of MRI in the diagnosis of MAD is not well clarified in the literature. We report the case of a 16-year-old patient, hospitalized in July 2008 for exercise intolerance. On admission, he was asymptomatic and the physical examination was non contributive. Serum creatine kinase levels and renal function measures were normal. Cycloergometer exercise testing unmasked the disease. EMG and muscular biopsies were normal. During the second hospitalization, this time for rhabdomyolysis, T2 weighted MRI of the thighs showed high intensity signals from the gracilis muscles. The control MRI, made after 2 weeks of rest, was normal. Right gracilis muscle biopsy demonstrated excess glycogen with myophosphorylase deficiency, establishing the diagnosis of MAD. MAD is a rare metabolic myopathy to consider in patients with a history of exercise intolerance. The muscle biopsy can be misleadingly normal and should be, to our opinion, be guided by MRI findings.

Gabapentin-induced rhabdomyolysis in a patient with diabetic neuropathy

Gabapentin (GBP) is a drug which is frequently used in diabetic neuropathy. Common adverse effects of GBP include drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia, somnolence, and fatigue. Rhabdomyolysis is an extremely rare side effect of GBP. In this report we describe a case of GBP-induced rhabdomyolysis in a 63-year-old diabetic woman. She presented with severe muscle pain in her extremities, fatigue, decreased urine output and urine discoloration within 3 weeks after starting treatment with GBP (900 mg/day) for diabetic neuropathy. Laboratory tests revealed extreme elevations of muscle enzymes, increased creatinine and potassium levels. She required hemodialysis as a result of anuria. Investigation confirmed the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis, and discontinuation of GBP resulted in resolution of clinical and biochemical features of rhabdomyolysis.

Equine metabolic myopathies with emphasis on the diagnostic approach comparison with human myopathies A review

This review gives an overview of the presently known human and equine metabolic myopathies with emphasis on the diagnostic approach. Metabolic myopathies are muscle disorders caused by a biochemical defect of the skeletal muscle energy system, which results in inefficient muscle performance. Myopathies can arise in different levels of the metabolic system. In this review the metabolic myopathies are categorized in disorders of the carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, mitochondrial myopathies (other than those described in lipid metabolism), disorders of purine metabolism, primary disorders involving ion channels and electrolyte flux and secondary or acquired metabolic myopathies.

Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Associated Rhabdomyolysis in a Patient with AIDS: Case Report and Review of the Literature

We report a case of rhabdomyolysis associated with the use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) in a newly diagnosed AIDS patient with presumed Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly named Pneumocystis Carinii) pneumonia. The present case is significant because of the paucity of similar cases in the literature and the relative frequency with which TMP-SMX is used today.