Rhabdomyolysis following spinal cord injury: case report

Rhabdomyolysis is commonly seen in association with multisystem trauma. We report an unexpected case of rhabdomyolysis and subsequent renal insufficiency after spinal cord injury unassociated with acute muscular injury. Immobilization, in conjunction with mild systemic hypoperfusion, was the suspected cause. Due to the likelihood of muscle catabolism, the difficulties of diagnosing soft tissue injury, and the impact of any decrease in renal reserve in patients with spinal cord injuries, surveillance for laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis in patients with neurologically complete spinal cord injuries appears warranted.