# An Unusual Presentation of Fentanyl-Induced Rhabdomyolysis

**Authors:** Olivia D Keenum, Shivam Patel, Arthi Balasubramaniam, William Bates, Donald Smallwood

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.83426 · Cureus · 2025-05-03

## TL;DR

This paper presents a rare case of rhabdomyolysis caused by fentanyl, identified through imaging techniques like CT and MRI.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in identifying fentanyl-induced rhabdomyolysis in the proximal lower extremity using CTA.

## Key findings

- Fentanyl-induced rhabdomyolysis was detected in the proximal lower extremity via CT angiography.
- Imaging findings of rhabdomyolysis on CT and MRI are discussed for better diagnostic understanding.

## Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis is a pathological condition characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue, which often presents with nonspecific imaging findings but necessitates prompt intervention. Providing a differential diagnosis based on imaging findings can significantly aid managing physicians, while a clear clinical context enhances the radiologist's ability to identify critical findings. In this report, we present a case of proximal lower extremity fentanyl-induced rhabdomyolysis identified on computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA) performed to evaluate for compartment syndrome in the distal left lower extremity. We will discuss the expected imaging findings associated with rhabdomyolysis on both CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** fentanyl (PubChem CID 3345)
- **Diseases:** rhabdomyolysis (MONDO:0005290)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Rhabdomyolysis (MESH:D012206)
- **Chemicals:** Fentanyl (MESH:D005283)

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12131116/full.md

## References

17 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12131116/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12131116