Excessive Exercise by Gym Enthusiast Leading to Rhabdomyolysis: A Case Report

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis is a rare condition characterised by muscle oedema and inflammation. Radiological imaging, particularly Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of patients with muscle injuries. Hereby, the authors present a case report of a 21-year-old male who recently joined a gym a month ago. After a recent upper body workout, he began experiencing vague pain around the posterior aspect of the entire right arm, radiating towards the shoulder and elbow. An MRI was performed to evaluate the musculature of the right arm and forearm. T2-weighted axial images revealed hyperintense signals within the long head of the triceps muscle. Short Tau Inversion Recovery (STIR) coronal and STIR axial sequences showed increased signal intensity in the short field of view sequences, consistent with the presence of subcutaneous inflammation. The patient was managed conservatively with anti-inflammatory medications. A follow-up scan after one month showed complete resolution of muscle oedema. The ability of MRI to accurately assess the degree and severity of muscle injury allows for appropriate treatment planning and monitoring of disease progression. In cases of suspected muscle injury, prompt radiological evaluation can facilitate early diagnosis and intervention, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Keywords

• creatine phosphokinase
• exercise physiology
• follow-up scan
• muscle inflammation
• muscle oedema
• radiological imaging