A Case of Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Renal Failure Associated with Primary Hypothyroidism

Korean Journal of Nephrology 2007;26(6):744-747.

Myoung Lyeol Woo, M.D., Seung Won Lee, M.D., Ja Sung Choi, M.D. Young Jun Won, M.D., Soo Young Yoon, M.D. and Sang Choel Lee, M.D.

Department of Internal Medicine, Kwandong University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea

증례 : 횡문근융해증과 급성 신부전이 동반된 원발성 갑상선기능저하증 1예

우명렬 이승원 최자성 원영준 윤수영 이상철

관동대학교 의과대학 내과학교실

Abstract

Hypothyroidism is a clinical state which results from decreased production of thyroid hormone, and its symptoms are various including lack of energy, dryness of skin and hair, dyspnea, bradycardia, hypotension, body weight gain, and constipation. Muscle disorders due to hypothyroidism may include myalgia, muscle weakness, stiffness, delayed tendon reflex, abnormality of electromyography, changes of muscle tissues and increased muscle enzymes. Hypothyroid myopathy manifests as a mild form of myopathy rather than an acute rhabdomyolysis, that is a very rare complication of hypothyroid myopathy and that can cause acute renal failure. We report a case of primary hypothyroidism presented with rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. A 50-year-old male referred to our hospital for evaluation and management of generalized edema, muscle weakness, fatigue and myalgia. He had acute rhabdomyolysis and progressed to acute renal failure due to newly developed primary hypothyroidism. After hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine, the patients renal function and muscular symptom completely recovered.

Key Words: Acute renal failure, Hypothyroidism, Rhabdomyolysis, Myopathy