Bilateral Compartment Syndrome and Asymmetric Paraparesis Associated with Rhabdomyolysis - A Case Report -

Case Report

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2013;15(1):41-46.
Published online June 1, 2013.

Received: 9 October 2012 • Revised: 22 April 2013 • Accepted: 22 April 2013

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome of skeletal muscle cell damage that leads to the release of toxic intracellular material in the systemic circulation. Although compartment syndrome may be occur with rhabdomyolysis, there is no report of bilateral compartment syndrome that involves different site at the same time. We report a case of right sciatic neuropathy and left common peroneal neuropathy caused by bilateral compartment syndrome accompanying rhabdomyolysis. A 31-year-old woman presented with asymmetric swelling of both leg, paraparesis and paresthesia one day after alcohol binge. Serum creatine phosphokinase and urinary myoglobin were elevated. 99mTc-MDP bone scan showed markedly increased uptake localized to muscle groups of right gluteal compartment and left anterolateral compartment of lower leg. An electrodiagnostic study showed right sciatic neuropathy and left common peroneal neuropathy. With conservative care, she recovered but weakness of the both ankle remained at 3 month-follow-up. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of compartment syndrome should be considered critically.

Key Words: Rhabdomyolysis, Compartment syndrome, Neuropathy