[Deep vein thrombosis and localized rhabdomyolysis in a patient with bladder cancer]

Rhabdomyolysis is caused by skeletal muscle injury that results in the release of intracellular contents into the circulatory system. In certain cases, potentially fatal conditions may develop. Multiple conditions followed by muscular necrosis may lead to rhabdomyolysis.

We present a case history of a patient with bladder cancer in whom deep vein thrombosis was complicated by rhabdomyolysis. The patient developed acute renal failure. We have also searched the literature for similar cases.

The patient did not respond to the treatment given. In order to save his life, the affected extremity was amputated. Rhabdomyolysis is a very rare complication of deep vein thrombosis. There are only a few patients described in the literature in which these conditions occur simultaneously. The diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis can easily be missed, as the two conditions give almost identical symptoms.