Rhabdomyolysis associated with bacteremia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae: case report and review

Abstract

We report a case of bacteremic Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia associated with rhabdomyolysis and review seven other cases of pneumococcal infections associated with bacteremia and rhabdomyolysis. Most of these cases were complicated by transient myoglobinuric renal failure, and some patients required dialysis. Two patients died, but their deaths were not directly related to rhabdomyolysis. We discuss mechanisms that may be involved in rhabdomyolysis associated with pneumococcal infections. Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but potentially serious complication of a common disease.