[Hypokalemia with rhabdomyolysis secondary to chronic small bowel obstruction]

Rhabdomyolysis, secondary to chronic small bowel obstruction. The authors report the case of a 48-year old man, who developed rhabdomyolysis based only upon hypokalemia secondary to a chronic gastro-intestinal disorder (chronic obstruction of the small bowel). They would like to point out that despite the rare occurrence of rhabdomyolysis associated with hypokalemia, this pathological condition cannot be underestimated. Complaints of acute myalgia and general muscle weakness are characteristic. Early recognition of this syndrome is mandatory because myoglobinuria could provoke acute renal failure with eventual fatal outcome.