Rhabdomyolysis Masquerading as Cauda Equina Syndrome
Beatrice Tan1, Charles Kon1, Sean Loh2
1Orthopaedic Surgery, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, SGP.
Cureus
|April 25, 2022
Summary
A man with lower back pain, leg weakness, and urinary retention after exertion was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, not cauda equina syndrome. This highlights the importance of considering alternative diagnoses in back pain presentations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nephrology
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Lower back pain is a common ailment, often linked to discogenic issues, particularly after strenuous activity.
- Acute urinary retention and lower limb weakness in conjunction with back pain often prompt consideration of cauda equina syndrome.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old male presented with acute lower back pain, bilateral lower limb weakness, and acute urinary retention.
- The patient's symptoms followed a recent episode of heavy lifting.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving muscle breakdown.
- Rhabdomyolysis presented with symptoms mimicking cauda equina syndrome.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity of considering rarer differential diagnoses beyond cauda equina syndrome.
- Even in typical presentations, alternative diagnoses like rhabdomyolysis should be evaluated to ensure accurate patient management.
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