Extremely elevated creatine kinase associated with rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury in a patient with Huntington’s disease: a case report

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury is a serious condition that can progress to acute renal failure if not promptly identified and treated. Rhabdomyolysis occurs when serum creatine kinase levels approach > 1000 U/L (five times the normal upper limit). The chance of acute kidney injury increases as the levels of creatine kinase increase. Although Huntington’s disease is associated with muscle atrophy, elevated baseline creatine kinase levels in these patients have not been routinely reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old African American patient presented to the emergency department after he was found unconscious from a fall attributed to the progression of his Huntington’s disease. On admission, he had an extremely high creatine kinase level of 114,400 U/L and was treated with fluids, electrolyte balance, and dialysis. However, his condition progressed to acute renal failure and he later developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, requiring transfer to the intensive care unit with placement on continuous renal replacement therapy. Eventually, his kidney function recovered and he was discharged home with 24/7 care by his family for persistent impairments related to his Huntington’s disease. CONCLUSIONS: This case report underscores the importance of promptly recognizing elevated creatine kinase levels in patients with Huntington’s disease due to the risk of developing rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury. If not aggressively treated, the condition of these patients is likely to progress to renal failure. Anticipating the progression of rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury is paramount to improving clinical outcomes. Additionally, this case identifies a potential link between the patient’s Huntington’s disease and his abnormally elevated creatine kinase, a finding not described in the literature of rhabdomyolysis-induced kidney injuries to date and an important consideration for future patients with similar comorbidities.