Rhabdomyolysis in presumed viscero-cutaneous loxoscelism: report of two cases

Abstract

Until now, in viscero-cutaneous loxoscelism, discoloured urine has been attributed only to haemoglobinuria induced by the intravascular haemolysis caused by the venom. In this paper, 2 cases (in Brazil) of viscero-cutaneous loxoscelism with rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure are described. Both patients presented with severe oedema, erythema and dermonecrosis at the bite site. Elevated creatine kinase levels were found in both cases (6841 and 1718 U/L) associated with severe acute renal failure (one required dialysis for 50 days). Therefore, in viscero-cutaneous loxoscelism, rhabdomyolysis secondary to intense local tissue damage can occur and should be considered as a contributing factor in acute renal failure. Creatine kinase should therefore be monitored in viscero-cutaneous loxoscelism to avoid acute renal failure and to reduce the severity of any renal damage.