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

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. The patient was admitted to our emergency department due to loss of consciousness after CO exposure during a suicide attempt. 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. 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. 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. This case shows that we should consider about rare acute and late complications such as AKI, rhabdomyolysis, and delayed leukoencephalopathy after CO poisoning.