[Rhabdomyolysis in a bodybuilder using anabolic steroids]

The clinical course and the laboratory findings of a massive rhabdomyolysis in a male bodybuilder is presented. Particularly spectacular are the light- and electron-microscopical pictures of the histological findings. The acute renal failure as the most important and major life-threatening complication of the rhabdomyolysis is considered and the successful therapeutic procedure is described. The probability of a causal relation between anabolic steroids and rhabdomyolysis is discussed as well as the resulting consequences for the care of athletes in sports medicine.