What is the differential diagnosis of elevated creatinine phosphokinase?

The differential diagnosis of elevated creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) includes a wide range of conditions that can affect the muscles or other tissues that release CPK into the bloodstream. Some of the most common causes of elevated CPK include:

* Muscle damage: CPK is released from damaged muscle cells, so any condition that causes muscle damage can lead to elevated CPK levels. This includes injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures; muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy and myositis; and metabolic disorders such as hypothyroidism and diabetes.

* Heart damage: CPK is also released from damaged heart muscle cells, so conditions such as heart attack, myocarditis, and pericarditis can all cause elevated CPK levels.

* Other conditions: In some cases, elevated CPK levels can be caused by conditions other than muscle or heart damage. These include kidney disease, liver disease, and certain types of cancer.

* Medications: Certain medications, such as statins, corticosteroids, and some antibiotics, can also cause elevated CPK levels.

It is important to note that elevated CPK levels alone are not diagnostic of any specific condition. In order to determine the cause of elevated CPK levels, a doctor will typically order additional tests and may recommend further evaluation by a specialist.