Differential diagnosis of anesthesia induced rhabdomyolysis. A case report.

A four year old boy suffered from a prolonged cardiac arrest during anesthesia. Laboratory examination subsequently demonstrated extensive rhabdomyolysis. The possibility of an underlying muscle disease in this family was investigated by muscle biopsy, histological examination and in-vitro contracture testing. The latter test result was consistent with malignant hyperthermia susceptibility. This case history illustrates the differential diagnosis of anesthesia induced rhabdomyolysis.