Severe Hypothyroidism Presenting With Rhabdomyolysis in a Young Patient

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening medical condition. The acute muscle breakdown leads to the release of toxic muscle contents which can damage the kidneys and can cause the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) and fatal electrolyte imbalances associated with high morbidity and mortality. There are a variety of causes including exposure to extremely hot weather, toxins, trauma, certain drugs, and rarely endocrine disorders in particular thyroid dysfunction. It is more common among a certain group of people, for example, enthusiastic athletes, physical laborers, military and police personnel working in hot and humid weather. Moreover, it is also seen in patients using certain medications, and in the elderly following a fall and prolonged laying on the floor. The majority of the patients develop acute kidney failure and treatment with intravenous hydration and the underlying cause remains the mainstay of management. Our case demonstrates the rare occurrence of AKI induced by rhabdomyolysis in patients with severe hypothyroidism. A 36-years-old male presented with generalized body pains, arthralgias, weight gain, and ankle edema of three months duration. On investigations, he was found to have severe hypothyroidism, AKI along with raised creatinine kinase (CK) and myoglobin indicating severe muscle damage. He was treated with intravenous (IV) fluids and oral levothyroxine in accordance with endocrine team advice. This case highlights the significance of investigating acute rhabdomyolysis with thyroid function tests if no other cause is apparent from history like hyperthermia/drugs/toxins as in our case. Timely diagnosis and treatment of underlying pathology improve patient outcomes.