Raised Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase associated with gangrenous small bowel volvulus: A case report

Usually CPK, CK-MB and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes are measured in blood during the period of myocardial infarction. The changes in LDH assay indicates duration of the infarction.The level of lactate dehydrogenase is 500 times greater in tissue than those found in serum. A small mass of damaged tissue causes leakage of enzyme and increases its level in serum.Any cause of tissue break down/hemolysis which is sufficiently severe can produce LDH pattern similar to that in myocardial infarction.We report this case of small bowel volvulus showing significant increase in LDH.It may be due to tissue necrosis which increases the level of LDH in serum.