Legionella pneumonia presenting with rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure: A case report

Legionella pneumophila infection is a recognized but rare cause of rhabdomyolysis ( 1). While the mechanism of rhabdomyolysis associated with Legionella is unknown, theories include direct invasion of Legionella into the muscle itself, or the release of its endotoxin into the circulation with subsequent muscle injury ( 2 and 3). In this case report, we describe a case of Legionella pneumonia presenting as altered mental status, high fever, and rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure. We review the epidemiology, clinical and laboratory findings, and treatment of the disease.