Pathophysiology and clinical presentations of rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis has sparked new interest in recent years. The causes of rhabdomyolysis include drugs and other toxic agents, infections, physical exertion, crush injury, and muscle diseases (dystrophinopathies and metabolic myopathies). Prompt identification of the pathophysiological mechanism is the key to rapid control of the acute episode and to prevention of recurrences. In this update, we discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms and nosology of rhabdomyolysis, as well as diagnostic investigations, with special emphasis on noninvasive methods.