Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
rhabdomyolysis
Pronunciation: RAB-doe-my-OL-ih-sis
Breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue releasing myoglobin and other cellular contents into circulation.
Full Definition
Rhabdomyolysis occurs when damaged skeletal muscle releases its contents, including myoglobin, creatine kinase, and electrolytes, into the bloodstream. Common causes include trauma, prolonged immobilization, drug toxicity, and metabolic disorders. In surgical critical care, it can complicate prolonged operations, compartment syndrome, or crush injuries. The condition is diagnosed by elevated creatine kinase levels and can lead to acute kidney injury due to myoglobin precipitation in renal tubules.
In Context
- "Rhabdomyolysis was suspected given the elevated CK levels and dark urine." — Emergency department note
- "Aggressive fluid resuscitation prevented acute kidney injury from rhabdomyolysis." — Discharge summary
Also known as
muscle breakdown
myonecrosis
Don't confuse with
myositis
compartment syndrome