Arterial Embolism, Myoglobinuria, and Renal Tubular Necrosis

Abstract

Four cases of acute arterial occlusion of the lower extremity associated with massive ischemic myopathy and myoglobinuria are reported. Clinically, there were four characteristic manifestations: excruciating pain; severe and extensive ischemia of the tissues; rigidity of the extremity with stiffness of joints; and massive edema. The widespread ischemic myopathy of the extremity is a probable underlying cause of the severity of the local signs. Myoglobinuria was found in the four cases and accounts for the fatal tubular necrosis (myoglobinuric nephrosis) in two patients.