Catastrophic familial rhabdomyolysis: compartment syndrome with muscle fiber regeneration

Abstract

Two reports of patients with rhabdomyolysis are described. Patient 1 was a 4-year-old-girl who had a 48-hour history of pyrexia and a 24-hour history of vomiting, drowsiness, polydipsia oliguria, and back pain. She could not walk easily because of tenderness in the calves. She was treated with furosemide and dopamine. On day 9, she was mobilized with the aid of physiotherapy. After 2 years, she tired easily but could walk normally. Patient 2 was a 3-year-old girl who had a 24-hour history of general malaise, peripheral aches and pain, and increasing drowsiness. She had severe swelling in the calves. Full-leg four compartment fasciotomies were performed on both calves. After patient 2 healed, she was observed to have muscle regeneration, which is very rare.