Rosuvastatin induced rhabdomyolysis in a low risk patient: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

We report a case of rosuvastatin induced rhabdomyolysis in a low risk patient, who presented with five-day history of generalized muscle pain, weakness and easy fatigability associated with passing dark urine. Initial investigations showed creatinine 140micromol/L, creatine kinase (CK) 4566 U/L and serum myoglobin 2694 ng/ml with a significant increase in urine myoglobin. Although there were no obvious risk factors, the patient was diagnosed with rosuvastatin induced rhabdomyolysis. The drug was stopped on the first day of admission and the patient was initiated on intravenous fluid with cautious monitoring of serum electrolytes. On the following days the level of creatine kinase and serum myoglobin returned toward normal and consequently he was discharged without statins but on dietary therapy. On follow-up evaluation, the patient was symptom free his serum creatinine was 106micromol/L, whereas his LDL cholesterol was 2.1mmol/L. The rosuvastatin induced rhabdomyolysis is discussed and the danger of its use in low risk patients is emphasized.