Fatal rhabdomyolysis caused by COVID-19 infection: a case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: COVID-19 is a systemic viral disease complicated with medical conditions. Severe rhabdomyolysis during the COVID-19 course is not until now well known. Case presentation: The authors presented a 48-year-old female with fatal rhabdomyolysis caused by COVID-19 infection. She was referred to us with cough, generalized myalgia and arthralgia, and fever during the last week. Laboratory results showed an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, elevated C-reactive protein level, and elevated creatine kinase. The nasopharyngeal swab confirmed the diagnosis of coronavirus 2 RNA infection. She was managed initially in the COVID-19 isolation department. Three days later, she was transferred to the intensive care unit and mechanically ventilated. Laboratory results were consistent with rhabdomyolysis. She died because of cardiac arrest due to continuous hemodynamic deterioration. Clinical discussion: Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition that can be fatal or cause disability. Rhabdomyolysis cases have been reported in COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: Rhabdomyolysis cases have been reported in COV19 patients. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism and to optimize the treatment.