Legionnaires' disease associated with rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria

We report a fatal case of Legionnaires' disease associated with myopathy, myoglobinuria, elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level, and pneumonitis. The precise cause of skeletal muscle damage in this patient remains obscure. The association with Legionnaires' disease in this case supports the observation that the Legionnaires' organism has the potential for affecting multiple organ systems, including skeletal muscle. Elevated CPK levels and myoglobinuria in a patient with pneumonitis should suggest the diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease.