A case report on the acute and late complications associated with carbon monoxide poisoning: Acute kidney injury, rhabdomyolysis, and delayed leukoencephalopathy

RATIONALE: Acute kidney injury (AKI), rhabdomyolysis, and delayed leukoencephalopathy after carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are very rare. We report a case presenting with AKI, rhabdomyolysis, and delayed leukoencephalopathy after CO poisoning. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was admitted to our emergency department due to loss of consciousness after CO exposure during a suicide attempt. DIAGNOSES: Laboratory findings revealed elevated carboxyhemoglobin, serum creatinine, and serum muscle enzyme levels. Initially, this patient was diagnosed with AKI and rhabdomyolysis due to CO poisoning. A month after the CO poisoning, she showed neuropsychiatric symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed white-matter hyperintensity on the T2 flair image. Therefore, she was diagnosed with delayed leukoencephalopathy after CO poisoning. INTERVENTIONS: At the same time as diagnosis of AKI and rhabdomyolysis, the normobaric oxygen and hydration therapies were performed. A month later, rehabilitation was started due to delayed leukoencephalopathy. OUTCOMES: Her renal function and muscle enzyme levels were completely restored with alert mental status. She could walk with the aid of a walker at last visit. LESSONS: This case shows that we should consider about rare acute and late complications such as AKI, rhabdomyolysis, and delayed leukoencephalopathy after CO poisoning.