A myopathic patient with high transaminase enzyme levels and complaints of malaise and fatigue

Summary Alanin aminotransferase (AST) and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) are important markers of liver cells damage. However, these enzymes also exist in extra-hepatic tissues. AST and ALT are especially high in worn muscle membranes in patients with neurological muscle diseases, when the enzymes pass through the membrane through osmosis. A significant number of patients with elevated transaminase levels are evaluated as having liver disease due to laboratory findings. Some having liver biopsies performed have later been diagnosed as myopathy. In this case study, we present a patient with fatigue and high levels of transaminases diagnosed as myopathy. In general, in patients having nonspecific complaints or having checkups with high levels of transaminases often diagnosed as liver disease. However, we should keep in mind that, high levels of transaminase can also be related to an underlying muscle disease.