Community-Acquired Pneumonia with Acute Kidney Injury Complicated by Rhabdomyolysis- A Challenging Case Report in Resource Limit Setting

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common infectious disease that can lead to complications such as rhabdomyolysis (RM), a rare but potentially life-threatening condition involving muscle breakdown. RM can further complicate the clinical course by causing acute kidney injury (AKI). We present a case of Community-acquired pneumonia with AKI complicated by rhabdomyolysis in a resource-limited setting.

Case presentation: A 67-year-old male presented with high fever, cough, and shortness of breath. He had no significant medical history. On examination, he was febrile, tachypneic, and tachycardic, with right-sided lung crackles. Lab tests showed elevated inflammatory markers and impaired kidney function. Chest radiography revealed right upper lobe consolidation, confirming pneumonia and AKI. He was treated with fluids, antibiotics, and supportive care, but his condition worsened, requiring intensive care unit (ICU). In the ICU, dark urine and elevated creatine kinase confirmed rhabdomyolysis. After aggressive fluid therapy and antibiotics the patient improved over six days and was transferred to the ward. By day 10, he fully recovered and was discharged with follow-up.

Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of early recognition and prompt management of CAP complicated by AKI and rhabdomyolysis, even in resource-limited settings. Timely intervention can lead to favorable outcomes despite challenges.