Coronavirus Disease 2019-Induced Rhabdomyolysis

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis is caused by necrosis of muscles and leakage of intracellular contents into blood circulation. It is most commonly caused by trauma, crush injuries, drugs, toxins, immobilization, compartment syndrome, prolonged surgical procedures, and less likely by infections. Infection-related rhabdomyolysis is rare, but not uncommon, and is seen in both viral and bacterial infections. Extrapulmonary manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) include thrombotic like pulmonary emboli, acute cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, liver injury, gangrene, diarrhea, acute renal failure, and so on. We here describe a case of COVID-19-induced rhabdomyolysis in a 19-year-old Hispanic male presenting with muscle aches, fatigue, fevers, and no pulmonary symptoms.

Keywords: corona virus; covid 19; elevated ck levels; fever; high fever; muscle aches; rhabdomyolysis.

Figure 1. CT scan of the abdomen shows fluid-filled bowels (pointing arrows)

Figure 2. Chest X-ray shows no focal infiltrates, well-inflated lungs

Figure 3. Graphs showing trends of CK levels, AST, ALT, D-dimer, and creatinine

ALT, alanine transaminase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; CK, creatine kinase

Figure 4. Graphs showing trends of CK levels, AST, ALT, D-dimer, and creatinine

ALT, alanine transaminase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; CK, creatine kinase