Hypothyroidism Induced Severe Rhabdomyolysis in a Hemodialysis Patient

Hypothyroidism occurs relatively common and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality during the course of chronic kidney disease. Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by necrosis of muscular tissue and rarely associates with hypothyroidism. Here we describe a case of rhabdomyolysis due to severe hypothyroidism in a 56-year-old female hemodialysis patient. 1. Introduction Thyroid dysfunction is relatively common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) when compared to general population [1, 2]. Both hormonal changes including alterations in TRH, TSH, and iodine clearance as well as presence of associating autoimmune disorders (type 1 diabetes mellitus or systemic lupus erythematosus) and comorbidities such as HCV infection or treatment with drugs having adverse thyroid effects (e.g., amiodarone) are thought to be responsible for thyroid dysfunction [2–4]. Thyroid dysfunction particularly hypothyroidism is a significant cause of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in CKD patients [5–10]. In hemodialysis patients, however, the frequency of acute complications and neuromuscular effects of hypothyroidism are not known. Rhabdomyolysis is a rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue leading to release of its contents into systemic circulation [11]. Rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening condition, may occur due to physical factors including trauma, convulsions, or overexertion as well as to chemical and hormonal causes [11]. Hypothyroidism associated rhabdomyolysis is rare in nonuremic patients. Hypothyroidism induced rhabdomyolysis in dialysis patients has not been reported as far as we know. Here we present a case of rhabdomyolysis in a hemodialysis patient on amiodarone treatment receiving antithyroid therapy for subclinical hyperthyroidism. 2. Case Presentation A 56-year-old female with a past medical history of end stage diabetic nephropathy, interstitial pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, and atrial fibrillation presented to nephrology outpatient clinics with complaints of nausea and fatigue. She was back on routine hemodialysis 4 times a week for 18 months (she underwent a renal transplantation 10 years ago). She provided a history of subclinical hyperthyroidism detected six months ago for which antithyroid treatment was started because of the diagnosis of a thyroid nodule. She stated that she missed her follow-up appointments. Her medications included warfarin 5？mg, diltiazem 30？mg, amiodarone 400？mg (started for atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response), propylthiouracil 300？mg,