EXERTIONAL RHABDOMYOLYSIS IN AN ADOLESCENT ATHLETE

Exertional rhabdomyolysis has been previously reported in adult patien ts following such strenuous activities as military basic training, wei ght lifting, and marathon running. Exertional rhabdomolysis in previou sly healthy-pediatric athletes, however, is rarely encountered, The pr esentation of rhabdomyolysis is characterized by the classical triad o f myalgias, muscle weakness, and darkened urine, This classic presenta tion, however, is not noted in the majority of patients, especially ea rly in the disease course when the patient may complain only of myalgi as or weakness. Thus, the emergency physician most have a high index o f suspicion for this entity based on the appropriate clinical setting, We report a classic case of exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis complicat ed by acute renal failure in a previously healthy adolescent athlete, whose initial presentation was nonspecific, prompting the diagnosis of overexertion.