Exertional rhabdomyolysis associated with decerebrate posturing.

A case is presented in which decerebrate posturing after a head injury led to rhabdomyolysis and renal failure. Exertional rhabdomyolysis is caused by an energy deficient state in overworked musculature that leads to a loss of integrity of the muscle cell. The resultant myoglobin in serum leads to acute renal failure. This condition should be suspected in a comatose patient with fever, brown discoloration of the urine, and edema of the extremities. Laboratory results will show orthotoluidine positive urine with a clear serum, elevated serum creatine phosphokinase, and serum creatinine elevation out of proportion to blood urea nitrogen. Management consists of fluids and diuretics with dialysis if necessary. Rhabdomyolysis with head injury and decerebracy may occur more frequently than has been previously reported.