Rhabdomyolysis: a rare complication of Hashimoto's thyroiditis precipitated by statin therapy

BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Feb 12:2018:bcr2017223229. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-223229.

Abstract

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is the most common form of primary hypothyroidism. Muscular manifestations like weakness, pain, stiffness and elevated muscle enzymes have been noticed in hypothyroidism. Statins are also known to cause myositis and rhabdomyolysis. This is a case of a middle-aged man, on statin therapy, who presented with severe muscle aches and pain and was found to have rhabdomyolysis. Further evaluation revealed an underlying HT as the culprit for his condition. He was managed with intravenous fluids and levothyroxine along with cessation of statins, following which he improved.

Keywords: acute renal failure; thyroid disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Fluid Therapy*
  • Hashimoto Disease / complications*
  • Hashimoto Disease / drug therapy*
  • Hashimoto Disease / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rhabdomyolysis / chemically induced*
  • Rhabdomyolysis / physiopathology
  • Thyroxine / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Thyroxine