Legionnaires' disease with rhabdomyolysis and acute reversible myoglobinuric renal failure

We have described a patient with rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, and acute reversible renal failure. Serologic studies were diagnostic for legionnaires' disease and were negative for other viruses associated with rhabdomyolysis. Bacteriologic cultures were also negative, and other nontraumatic causes of rhabdomyolysis were ruled out. No other causes of acute reversible renal failure were found. With a clinical picture of pneumonia, rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, and acute renal failure, legionnaires' disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy instituted.