Affiliation:
1. Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Science (Di.Chir.On.S.) University of Palermo Palermo Italy
2. Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care, and Emergency Policlinico Paolo Giaccone University of Palermo Palermo Italy
Abstract
Key Clinical MessageA timely diagnosis is essential to start appropriate therapy and to reduce risks of life‐threatening complications of rhabdomyolysis. Some cases can undergo differential diagnosis with other clinical conditions, e.g., myocardial infarction.AbstractWe present the case of a 65‐years‐old male who was admitted to the emergency department with a clinical presentation related to myocardial infarction. The patient underwent coronary angioplasty and was then admitted to ICU due to hemodynamical instability, elevated potassium levels, and anuria. Further investigations revealed rhabdomyolysis. The patient received vasopressors, oxygenation support and renal replacement therapy. Outcomes at ICU discharge were favorable. The temporal association between rhabdomyolysis and myocardial infarction, together with an unclear pathophysiological relationship, made differential diagnosis difficult. We discuss this uncertainty in light of published literature.