A cluster of patients with rhabdomyolysis after eating crayfish

Abstract

Crayfish or Procambarus clarkii is a freshwater crustacean with worldwide distribution. Tons of crayfish are consumed each year. In this report, four adult patients with rhabdomyolysis after consuming crayfish were described. All of them presented to the emergency department with myalgia. The diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis was supported by an elevated creatine kinase level. All recovered with supportive treatment. The clinical picture of these 4 patients was compatible with Haff disease. Haff disease is a syndrome in which rhabdomyolysis develops subsequent to consumption of certain cooked seafood. Crayfish is a common culprit. Diagnosis depends on obtaining a diet history and creatine kinase level. Most patients recover uneventfully with supportive treatment for rhabdomyolysis.

Keywords: crustacean; rhabdomyolysis.