Low-Intensity Repetitive Exercise Induced Rhabdomyolysis

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Exercise Physiology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Rhabdomyolysis is a critical condition characterized by muscle breakdown, releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can lead to acute kidney injury.
• While often associated with intense physical exertion, rhabdomyolysis can manifest in various clinical scenarios, necessitating a broad differential diagnosis.
• Early recognition of symptoms such as myalgia, fatigue, and dark urine is vital for timely intervention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of exertional rhabdomyolysis in a young woman following low-intensity, high-repetition exercise.
• To highlight the importance of considering rhabdomyolysis in patients presenting with myalgia, even in the absence of typical risk factors.
• To emphasize the need for vigilance among emergency medical professionals in diagnosing and managing atypical rhabdomyolysis cases.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 23-year-old female patient with unexplained myalgia.
• Clinical evaluation including symptom assessment and medical history review.
• Diagnostic workup to confirm exertional rhabdomyolysis and assess for kidney involvement.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with myalgia in the upper extremities attributed to a novel exercise regimen.
• Exertional rhabdomyolysis was diagnosed despite the low-intensity nature of the exercise and the patient's lack of significant past medical history.
• The patient received successful treatment, indicating the efficacy of prompt medical intervention.

Conclusions:

• Exertional rhabdomyolysis can occur from seemingly low-risk physical activities, challenging conventional understanding.
• Continuous monitoring and thorough evaluation of patients complaining of myalgia are essential for identifying rhabdomyolysis, particularly in atypical presentations.
• This case underscores the critical role of emergency medical providers in recognizing and managing rhabdomyolysis to prevent severe complications like kidney failure.