Diagnosing exertional rhabdomyolysis: a brief review and report of two cases

Abstract

Exertional rhabdomyolysis is a potentially dangerous condition that involves release of intracellular contents from skeletal muscle in concentrations that may cause renal or other systemic complications. The purpose of the two case reports presented is to assist clinicians in recognizing this condition and in considering its predisposing factors. This paper describes two patients who, in the presence of several predisposing risk factors, developed exertional rhabdomyolysis. After diagnoses of rhabdomyolysis were reached, both patients were admitted to a local hospital for several days of monitoring and treatment. After 1 to 2 months of activity modification, both patients successfully resumed full physical activity and military duty.