Unusual presentation of Coxsackie B rhabdomyolysis : Case report and literature review

Abstract

Coxsackie virus infections occur throughout the year, but have an increased in the summer and fall (1). It is often self-limited and resolves with only symptomatic treatment, but the virus has been linked to rhabdomyolysis in case reports. Though the exact mechanism of viral rhabdomyolysis is still unknown, the end result is destruction of myocytes and the release of toxins into the circulation (2, 3). The results of rhabdomyolysis can be limited to myalgia or can be severe enough to require dialysis (2,4). It is therefore important to recognize viral causes to this diagnosis so as to treat it before the patient has lasting effects. Here, we present the case of an adult male with diffuse myalgia who was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis with serologically positive Coxsackie B virus.