Exertional rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis syndrome has many acquired pathophysiological causes, resulting in a common pathway of muscle tissue degradation and the dispersing of its components onto circulation, causing systemic effects such as electrolyte abnormalities, arrhythmia, kidney injury, compartment syndrome, and DIC. Exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) is the most common cause among young persons. It is related to several risk factors such as temperature extremes, humidity, dehydration, fatigue, asthma, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) consumption, and congenital defects such as sickle-cell trait and myopathy. Although usually ER has a rather benign course, complications should be anticipated and referred, and a high index of suspicion is recommended. Guidelines for diagnosis and management are provided.