Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: An Intensive Care Unit Case of Exceptionally High Creatinine Kinase and Myoglobin Levels

TL;DR

This paper presents a rare and severe case of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome with unusually high levels of creatinine kinase and myoglobin, offering insights into its management.

Contribution

The novelty lies in the presentation of a severe NMS case with exceptionally high CK and myoglobin levels and a favorable outcome.

Findings

The case exhibited exceptionally high creatinine kinase and myoglobin levels.

The case had a favorable outcome despite its severity and diagnostic challenges.

It highlights the importance of considering NMS in differential diagnosis when faced with similar symptoms.

Abstract

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a rare, life-threatening neurologic emergency known to be related to the administration or sudden withdrawal of dopaminergic medications. The clinical course, symptoms, and bloodwork are very heterogeneous, making this syndrome difficult to identify. Thus, NMS is a diagnosis of exclusion. We present a case of severe NMS with exceptionally high creatinine kinase (CK) and myoglobin levels with unclear etiology and a challenging differential diagnosis. Also, our case stands out because it was serious, unique, and had a favorable outcome, which could contribute to the management of future similar cases.

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