Rhabdomyolysis: A rare complication of hypothyroidism

Abstract

Hypothyroidism is known to be associated with muscle pain, weakness, stiffness and mildly elevated muscle enzymes. However, rhabdomyolysis due to hypothyroidism is very rare, especially in the absence of any precipitating factors, such as heavy exercise, alcohol or medication. We report a case of rhabdomyolysis associated with hypothyroidism in a 24-year-old man who presented with choking sensation, generalized lethargy, low backache and facial swelling with markedly raised muscle enzymes which normalized after thyroxine replacement.