[Muscle calcium deposits in an acute alcoholic rhabdomyolysis with renal failure].

A 41 year old man was admitted to hospital for acute alcoholic rhabdomyolysis and renal failure. Calcium deposits in the damaged muscles of the inferior limbs were detected by technetium-99 m methylene diphosphonate. Repeat bone imaging studies showed a decrease in the deposits with time. The mechanisms responsible for the rhabdomyolysis and the characteristic disturbances in serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations during such renal failure are recalled. The interest of 99mTc-MDP is reviewed. Early dialysis is advocated, in particular in case of extensive muscular damage.