Muscle symptoms in Rhabdomyolysis

 Q: Muscle symptoms are usually prominent in patients with rhabdomyolysis? (select one)

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

Although the classic triad of rhabdomyolysis consists of muscle pain, weakness, and dark urine, more than half of the patients have no muscular symptoms. Malaise, fever, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are more common symptoms. Muscle symptoms, if present, are more pronounced in proximal muscle groups i.e., thighs and shoulders, and in the lower back and calve muscles. Muscle symptoms are usually described by patients as stiffness and cramping.

#muscle-pathology

References:

1. Gabow PA, Kaehny WD, Kelleher SP. The spectrum of rhabdomyolysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 1982; 61:141. 

 2. Huerta-Alardín AL, Varon J, Marik PE. Bench-to-bedside review: Rhabdomyolysis -- an overview for clinicians. Crit Care 2005; 9:158. 

3. Khan FY. Rhabdomyolysis: a review of the literature. Neth J Med 2009; 67:272.