Sports Induced Cardiac Arrest: A Case of Missed Rhabdomyolysis

Exercise induced rhabdomyolysis although uncommon, is well known in strenuous and exhaustive sports like marathons, cycling and wrestlers. But it is not known in Kabaddi players. We report a case of nearly fatal rhabdomyolysis which was missed during early resuscitation in emergency room and lead to cardiac arrest due to catastrophic metabolic acidosis and severe -hyperkalemia. After high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation and return of spontaneous rhythm, emergency resuscitative exploratory laparotomy was performed for suspected bladder injury which was negative. He had remarkable recovery over 24 h following diagnosis and aggressive supportive management including peritoneal dialysis. Heat stroke and rhabdomyolysis should be suspected early in players playing strenuous sports in tropical countries even during winter. High degree of suspicion and early aggressive general support is the key to success for unusual clinical presentation of any such clinical entity.