Massive myoglobinuria precipitated by halothane and succinylcholine in a member of a family with elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase.

Massive myoglobinuria developed in a patient given halothane and IV succinylcholine, Marked elevations of serum CPK were found in the patient and several family members. Myopathic changes in electromyogram and lack of neuromuscular symptoms and physical findings prompted the diagnosis of familial nonprogessive muscular dystrophy. Other hereditary muscular diseases were eliminated by medical workup. It is recommended that patients with known myopathy or unexplained elevations of serum CPK not receive the combination of halothane and succinylcholine.