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Reconsidering idiopathic CK-elevation

Josef Finsterer1, Werner Neuhuber, Bettina Mittendorfer

  • 1Neurological Hospital Rosenhügel, Vienna, Austria. duarte@aonmail.at

The International Journal of Neuroscience
|September 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Persistent idiopathic creatine-kinase (CK) elevation requires re-evaluation. Many cases have underlying causes like mitochondriopathy, seizures, or stroke, even with normal follow-up CK levels.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Idiopathic creatine-kinase (CK) elevation is a diagnostic challenge.
  • Understanding the frequency and causes of persistent CK elevation is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the persistence rate of idiopathic CK elevation.
  • To determine the proportion of cases where the cause can be identified.
  • To identify the most common causes of previously idiopathic CK elevation.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 28 patients with previously idiopathic CK elevation.
  • Follow-up assessment of CK levels and etiological investigation.

Main Results:

  • Creatine-kinase (CK) remained elevated in 32% of patients.
  • The cause of idiopathic CK elevation was identified in 46% of cases.
  • Identified causes included mitochondriopathy (n=5), seizures (n=2), stroke (n=2), myositis (n=1), intramuscular injection (n=1), alcohol myopathy (n=1), and pravastatin myopathy (n=1).
  • CK levels normalized in 10 patients during follow-up.
  • Idiopathic CK elevation persisted in 54% of cases.

Conclusions:

  • A significant proportion of idiopathic CK elevation cases have identifiable causes.
  • Comprehensive re-evaluation is recommended for idiopathic CK elevation, regardless of follow-up CK levels.
  • Early diagnosis and management of underlying conditions are essential.

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