[Simvastatin-Induced Myopathy after Dose Increase].

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: We present a 86-year-old patient who suffered from progressive weakness in his right leg. Due to a hypercholesterinemia he had received Simvastatin for a few years. Because of higher cholesterine levels the dosis had been increased from 40 to 80 mg 6 months ago.

INVESTIGATIONS AND DIAGNOSIS: We saw elevated levels of creatinine kinase and creatinine. In the EMG, a neuromuscular impairment was detected. In context with the medical history we could make the diagnosis of a statin-induced myopathy with rhabdomyolysis.

TREATMENT AND COURSE: After stopping the medication with statin and under liquid substitution, creatinine kinase and creatinine levels dropped. After therapy the weakness of the leg was totally recurrent.

CONCLUSION

In case of unclear neurological symptoms and under therapy with statins, a myopathy should be considered.