EXERTIONAL RHABDOMYOLYSIS IN A PATIENT WITH CALCIUM ADENOSINE-TRIPHOSPHATASE DEFICIENCY

A patient with exertional rhabdomyolysis and continuously elevated ser um creatine kinase (CK) was investigated. The known causes of recurren t attacks of rhabdomyolysis were ruled out by appropriate histochemica l and biochemical investigations. During ischaemic exercise tests an a bnormal K+-efflux from exercising muscles was observed. The patient wa s found to have a deficiency of muscular Ca2+-ATPase. Dantrolene sodiu m therapy gave relief of muscle symptoms and improved the exercise tol erance. Both the CK level and the K+-efflux in ischaemic forearm testi ng became normal on this therapy.