Rhabdomyolysis: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment

Abstract

Background: Rhabdomyolysis is a complex medical condition involving the rapid dissolution of damaged or injured skeletal muscle.

Methods: This review focuses on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, causes, presentation, diagnosis, complications, management, and anesthetic considerations related to rhabdomyolysis.

Results: Any form of muscle damage--and by extension any entity that causes muscle damage--can initiate rhabdomyolysis. One of the most important treatment goals when rhabdomyolysis is suspected is avoiding acute kidney injury.

Conclusion: All clinicians should be aware of common causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Keywords: Rhabdomyolysis.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no financial or proprietary interest in the subject matter of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.

Mechanisms of rhabdomyolysis. Reproduced with permission from Elsevier. ATP, adenosine triphosphate; ATPase, adenosine triphosphatase; DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid; PLA, polylactic acid; ROS, reactive oxygen species.

Figure 2.

Complications of rhabdomyolysis. Reproduced with permission from Springer.59 IV, intravenous; Rx, treatment.