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Rhabdomyolysis accompanying thyroid crisis: an autopsy case report
H Hosojima1, R Iwasaki, E Miyauchi
1Department of Internal Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Thyroid crisis, a severe hypermetabolic state, can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a serious muscle breakdown condition. This case highlights the critical link between thyroid dysfunction and muscle injury, emphasizing the need for prompt management.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Rhabdomyolysis is a known complication of various metabolic disorders, including diabetic coma and myxedema coma.
- Thyroid crisis, a state of extreme hyperthyroidism, presents a unique clinical challenge.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old male with Graves' disease experienced rhabdomyolysis during a thyroid crisis.
- The patient also developed congestive heart failure and hepatic failure, ultimately succumbing to acute renal failure.
Findings:
- Postmortem examination confirmed rhabdomyolysis in cardiac and psoas muscles.
- Histopathology revealed myocardial infarction, hepatic necrosis, renal cortical necrosis, and thyroid follicular hyperplasia.
Implications:
- Excessive hypermetabolism, circulatory collapse, and dehydration in thyroid crisis can impair muscle energy and oxygen supply, causing cellular damage.
- This case underscores the severe systemic impact of thyroid crisis and its potential to induce multi-organ failure.
- Recognizing rhabdomyolysis in thyroid crisis is crucial for timely intervention and potentially improving patient outcomes.