Rhabdomyolysis Following Colonoscopy: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Nephrology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Colonoscopy is a common endoscopic procedure for colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis.
• While generally safe, colonoscopy can be associated with various complications.
• Rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving severe muscle breakdown, is not a commonly recognized complication of colonoscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a fatal case of rhabdomyolysis following colonoscopic polypectomy.
• To highlight the importance of considering rhabdomyolysis in the differential diagnosis of post-colonoscopy abdominal pain and systemic symptoms.
• To recommend the inclusion of rhabdomyolysis in the spectrum of potential colonoscopy-related complications.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 60-year-old male patient.
• Description of the patient's clinical course, diagnostic workup, and treatment.
• Review of the literature on rhabdomyolysis and colonoscopy complications.

Main Results:

• The patient underwent an uneventful colonoscopic polypectomy.
• Post-procedure, the patient developed severe abdominal pain, free gas on CT scan, and subsequently, myoglobulinuria.
• Rhabdomyolysis was diagnosed, and the patient died from related complications.

Conclusions:

• Rhabdomyolysis should be considered a potential, albeit rare, complication of colonoscopy.
• Endoscopists must be vigilant for risk factors and early signs/symptoms of rhabdomyolysis in patients post-procedure.
• Prompt diagnosis and management are essential for improving outcomes in rhabdomyolysis following colonoscopy.