08 January 2010
Hypothyroidism and simvastatin as a combined cause of rhabdomyolysis acute renal failure
Amr El-Husseini, Rama Chemitiganti, James BurksAm J Case Rep 2010; 11:7-9 :: ID: 878326
Abstract
Background: Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome characterized by muscle necrosis and the release of intracellular muscle contents into the systemic circulation. Most commonly, the cause of rhabdomyolysis can be determined from the pathogenesis or from the immediate circumstances preceding the disorder, such as postoperative surgical trauma, a comatose or postictal state, or extra-ordinary physical exertion. Occasionally, the cause will not be obvious. Some of these cases are due to heritable muscle enzyme deficiencies, electrolyte abnormalities, infections, drugs, toxins, or endocrinopathies.
Case Report: Herein, we describe a 44-year-old Hispanic patient with no previous medical history apart from hyperlipidemia and undiagnosed hypothyroidism. He developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury after starting low dose simvastatin without any other precipitating factors. The statin was stopped, intravenous fluids were started immediately and L-thyroxine was given after confirming the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. His symptoms and kidney function improved over a few weeks after increasing L-thyroxine daily dose to 1.5 mcg/kg.
Conclusions: Because rhabdomyolysis is a rare but potentially life threatening disorder when complicated by acute tubular necrosis and renal failure, physicians must pay special attention when starting statins in patients with hyperlipidemia. Screening thyroid function before starting statins could be rational to avoid this rare but serious complication.
Keywords: rhabdomyolysis, Hypothyroidism, myopathy, case report
In Press
14 Mar 2024 : Case report
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with Staple-Line Oversewing in a Patient with Factor XI Deficiency: A Case ...Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.942824
14 Mar 2024 : Case report
Pathogenic Potential of a PCK1 Gene Variant in Cytosolic PEPCK Deficiency: A Compelling Case StudyAm J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943118
14 Mar 2024 : Case report
Management of Nontraumatic Spontaneous Renal Hemorrhage (Wünderlich Syndrome) through Robotic-Assisted Lapa...Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.942826
14 Mar 2024 : Case report
Simultaneous Occurrence of Collagen Type III Glomerulopathy and Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy: A Rare Case R...Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.942770
Most Viewed Current Articles
07 Mar 2024 : Case report
Neurocysticercosis Presenting as Migraine in the United StatesDOI :10.12659/AJCR.943133
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943133
10 Jan 2022 : Case report
A Report on the First 7 Sequential Patients Treated Within the C-Reactive Protein Apheresis in COVID (CACOV...DOI :10.12659/AJCR.935263
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935263
19 Jul 2022 : Case report
Atlantoaxial Subluxation Secondary to SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Rare Orthopedic Complication from COVID-19DOI :10.12659/AJCR.936128
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e936128
23 Feb 2022 : Case report
Penile Necrosis Associated with Local Intravenous Injection of CocaineDOI :10.12659/AJCR.935250
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935250