Statin-Associated Necrotizing Myopathy Leading to Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report

Abstract

Statins or 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors are a mainstay of cardiovascular disease therapy. In addition to their lipid-lowering capabilities, they exhibit several pleiotropic effects. Their adverse reactions such as myalgias are not uncommon, but in rare cases, the resulting rhabdomyolysis can be fatal. Recently, more insight has been brought into the pathogenesis of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis, and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathies are diagnosed more frequently. We present a case of a female patient who was on chronic rosuvastatin therapy and developed necrotizing myopathy. The disease progressed to acute kidney and liver injury. We discontinued the drug, started supportive measures, and initiated renal replacement therapy with a high cutoff dialysis membrane once. Her recovery was prompt, with a normal control electromyography 2 weeks after discharge.