Myositis and rhabdomyolysis in scrub typhus infection: A case report

Abstract

Rationale: Fever with myositis and rhabdomyolysis is a medical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and management. Scrub typhus associated myositis with rhabdomyolysis is rare. Patient concerns: A 36-year-old female presented with intermittent fever up to 38.6 °C, jaundice and progressive weakness of all four limbs. Diagnosis: Scrub typhus associated myositis and rhabdomyolysis. Intervention: Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily and injection of ceftriaxone 1 gm twice daily along with continuous intravenous fluids. Outcome: Fever resolved with normalization of liver function and recovery of muscle power. Lessons: Presence of myositis and rhabdomyolysis is uncommon in scrub typhus; high clinical suspicion should be kept in patients with atypical manifestations of scrub typhus.

Keywords

• scrub typhus; myositis; rhabdomyolysis; doxycycline; transaminitis; vasculitis