Rhabdomyolysis

Question 1

What is the pathophysiology behind rhabdomyolysis?

Answer 1

Extrinsic and intrinsic factors can lead to a severe muscle breakdown

When muscle is damaged, intracellular myocyte contents are released into the bloodstream.

Question 2

What is rhabdomyolysis?

Answer 2

The destruction of striated muscle cells

Question 3

What are some extrinsic causes of rhabdomyolysis?

Answer 3

Trauma (crush syndrome)
Exertion (strenuous exercise)
Substance misuse (cocaine)

Question 4

What is crush syndrome/traumatic rhabdomyolysis?

Answer 4

Crush syndrome (also known as traumatic
rhabdomyolysis) is a medical condition characterized by
major shock and kidney failure after a crushing injury to
skeletal muscle.

Question 5

What are some intrinsic causes of rhabdomyolysis?

Answer 5

Infections (malaria)
Muscle hypoxia (long lie)

Question 6

What are some signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis?

Answer 6

Swollen and painful muscles
Fever, nausea, vomiting
Dark or ‘cocacola’ colour urine

Question 7

What are the two common complication of rhabdomyolysis?

Answer 7

Very high levels of potassium in the blood

Very low levels of calcium in the blood

Question 8

What does hypocalcaemia cause on an ECG?

Answer 8

QTc prolongation by prolonging the ST segment causing TORSADES DE POINTES