Necrotizing vacuolar myopathy presenting with recurrent myoglobinuria

Int J Neurosci. 2010 Dec;120(12):784-6. doi: 10.3109/00207454.2010.518778. Epub 2010 Oct 13.

Abstract

Myoglobinuria occurs in a variety of systemic and neurological disorders and can pose diagnostic challenges. We report on a 23-year-old man in whom recurrent myoglobinuria was observed due to necrotizing vacuolar myopathy confirmed on muscle biopsy. Histopathologically the intramuscular vacuoles lacked the typical findings reported in vacuolar myopathy due to disorders of glycogen and lipid metabolism. We discuss the management approach to recurrent myoglobinuria. Recurrent myoglobinuria in the absence of toxin or drug exposure and seizure is more often due to primary muscle disease. Recognizing the presence of myoglobinuria and the proximate cause is essential in preventing the development of renal dysfunction and the future recurrence of symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Lysosomal Storage Diseases / complications
  • Lysosomal Storage Diseases / diagnosis
  • Lysosomal Storage Diseases / pathology
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology*
  • Muscular Diseases / complications
  • Muscular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Muscular Diseases / pathology
  • Myoglobin / metabolism*
  • Myoglobinuria / diagnosis
  • Myoglobinuria / etiology
  • Myoglobinuria / pathology*
  • Necrosis
  • Recurrence
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Myoglobin

Supplementary concepts

  • Vacuolar myopathy