Exertional Rhabdomyolysis of the Elbow Flexor Muscles From Weight Lifting

Abstract

Ultrasound imaging of rhabdomyolysis previously has been reported in the literature, but differing descriptions of its appearance exist. In this report, we describe a relatively rare case of exertional rhabdomyolysis of the anterior arm muscles. This injury may appear sonographically different than more severe cases of rhabdomyolysis. Our patient was a young, active individual participating in a weight-lifting exercise as part of a physiology laboratory experiment. Ultrasound was helpful to assist in the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. He was treated conservatively and eventually made a complete recovery.