title: Life-threatening rhabdomyolysis after prolonged hypoperfusion of the lower legs.
abstract: Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening condition to be considered when muscular damage is suspected. We present a case of a 39-year-old woman who developed rhabdomyolysis after prolonged circulatory insufficiency to the legs, leading to life-threatening complications including bilateral tibial compartment syndrome, acute kidney failure, hyperkalaemia with cardiac arrhythmia and finally lifesaving bilateral transfemoral amputation. This case emphasises that early diagnosis, removal of triggering factor, early and aggressive fluid therapy and treatment and prevention of complications are essential for the patient's morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic, Regionshospitalet Randers, Randers, Denmark. sebastianabrahamsen@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Sebastian Ørskov
authors.initials: SØ
authors.lastname: Abrahamsen
authors.forename: Maiken
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stilling
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000868:Anterior Compartment Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000209:etiology*; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D011187:Posture; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis