Extreme Elevation of Creatine Kinase in a Young Male Patient With Recurrent Rhabdomyolysis

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Neurology
• Genetics

Background:

• Rhabdomyolysis is a frequent reason for intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
• Recurrent rhabdomyolysis is uncommon and diagnostically challenging for intensivists.
• The etiology of recurrent rhabdomyolysis is often difficult to ascertain.

Observation:

• This report details a patient experiencing recurrent rhabdomyolysis.
• The patient presented with markedly elevated creatine kinase levels.
• Metabolic myopathies were considered as a potential underlying cause.

Findings:

• Metabolic myopathies are an under-investigated etiology for recurrent rhabdomyolysis.
• This case underscores the importance of considering metabolic disorders in unexplained recurrent rhabdomyolysis.
• Extreme creatine kinase elevation can be a marker for underlying metabolic myopathies.

Implications:

• Identifying the etiology of recurrent rhabdomyolysis is crucial for appropriate management.
• Increased awareness and investigation of metabolic myopathies may improve patient outcomes.
• This case contributes to the limited literature on metabolic myopathies causing recurrent rhabdomyolysis.