An Unusual Presentation of Influenza-Induced Myositis

Post-influenza myositis is considered a distinct clinical entity and is associated with muscle pain and elevated muscle enzymes during convalescence. Although the exact mechanism of muscle injury in acute viral myositis is unknown, there are possible mechanisms proposed in the literature. The progression of viral myositis to rhabdomyolysis, although uncommon, can be life-threatening and has been reported with many viruses, most commonly influenza. At our institution, a case of severe influenza-induced myositis prompted us to conduct a literature search focusing on the incidence, pathophysiology, typical presentation, and proper diagnosis of this rare condition.