[A case of rhabdomyolysis after open heart surgery in a child].

Rabdomyolysis usually occurs after trauma and release of myoglobin from the damaged muscle, i.e.; after ishchemic myopathy due to arterial occlusion or malignant hyperthermia. We encountered a pediatric case of rhabdomyolysis after Ross-Konnos' operation in an 8-yr-old girl with aortic regurgitation. After the first weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), ventricular fibrillation occurred due to an insufficiency in coronary blood flow and CPB was resumed with rapid cooling of body temperature. The total CPB lasted for 5 hr 43 min. After the second weaning from CPB, myoglobinuria was found. Furthermore, blisters and abrasions appeared on her back and CPK levels were abnormally elevated (maximum 19,132 IU.l-1) without any elevation of body temperature in the postoperative course. Rhabdomyolysis due to intraoperative hypoperfusion was suspected and diuretics were administrated with a large amount of crystalloid to maintain urine output. The patient showed a good clinical course without acute renal failure. The course of this case suggests that rhabdomyolysis is one of rare complications of CPB and an early correct diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis and forced diuresis at an early stage are important to avoid acute renal failure.