To the Editor.
—Myoglobinuria associated with alcoholism is rare, with only infrequent literature reports.1 The following case is presented because, to our knowledge, there has not been any previous report of asymptomatic myoglobinuria with grossly normal urine.
Report of a Case.
—A 52-year-old male bartender had a history of chronic alcoholism for many years, with frequent acute intoxications. He was asymptomatic but was admitted to the hospital for help with his alcohol problem.Findings from physical and neurologic examinations were normal. The important abnormal test results are included in the Table.Urinalysis on May 28,1980, showed clear, normal color, occult blood (2+ ), and ketones (2 + ). Microscopic examination showed occasional WBCs.On June 3, 1980, myoglobin was found to be 110 ng/mL (normal, 6 to 85 ng/mL) in the blood by radioimmunoassay method. On the same day, a test for urine myoglobin was negative.
Comment.
—Finding increasing enzyme levels was