Rhabdomyolysis is a serious medical condition in which damaged skeletal muscle breaks down rapidly, releasing its contents — including myoglobin, creatine kinase, and electrolytes — into the bloodstream. The myoglobin can overwhelm the kidneys and cause acute kidney injury. Causes include crush injuries, extreme exercise, certain medications, and metabolic conditions. On ultrasound, affected muscles may appear swollen with altered echogenicity — often initially hypoechoic (darker) due to edema, sometimes becoming hyperechoic or heterogeneous. The kidneys are evaluated for signs of acute kidney injury including cortical swelling and increased echogenicity. While the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis is primarily made through blood tests (elevated creatine kinase), ultrasound provides valuable information about the extent of muscle involvement and renal status.
Sonography Term