Rhabdomyolysis as the Initial Presentation of SARS-CoV-2 in an Adolescent

Pediatrics. 2021 Mar;147(3):e2020019273. doi: 10.1542/peds.2020-019273. Epub 2020 Oct 9.

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease 2019, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has created a global pandemic, with many cases affecting the elderly. However, children have been affected as well, with ∼2.4% to 3.7% of cases reported. This case is the first published case of an adolescent presenting with rhabdomyolysis as the first sign of novel coronavirus disease 2019, with extremely elevated creatinine kinase levels, approaching almost 400 000 U/L. This case adds to the growing body of literature of a variety of life-threatening manifestations associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and highlights the importance of how prompt recognition of these unique presentations of the disease is important to mitigate complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Biomarkers / urine
  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • COVID-19 / diagnosis*
  • COVID-19 / therapy
  • Creatine Kinase / urine
  • Critical Care
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pandemics
  • Rhabdomyolysis / diagnosis
  • Rhabdomyolysis / etiology*
  • Rhabdomyolysis / virology
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Creatine Kinase