Sonography in the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis

This case report describes the use of musculoskeletal sonography in the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. The case involved an episode of severe muscle lysis following a heroin overdose in an addict who lay comatose for an uncertain period. Sonography revealed multiple hyperechoic areas within the muscles examined, consistent with a recent injury. The clinical diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis may be difficult but is important in view of the attendant danger of acute renal failure, and sonography was instrumental in the diagnosis in this case.