A Curious Case of Acute Pancreatitis in Pregnancy

Abstract

Hypercalcaemia is rare in pregnancy and is under diagnosed owing to its non-specific presentation which is frequently attributed to the pregnancy itself. Severe hypercalcaemia presents a therapeutic challenge, especially during pregnancy. The present case of a 26-year-old primigravida who presented with acute pancreatitis is described here. The pancreatitis was found to be secondary to parathyroid adenoma- induced hypercalcaemia. After initial conservative medical management with subcutaneous and intranasal calcitonin, she underwent a small-incision adenoma excision. This unusual cause and presentation of hypercalcaemia and its management is reviewed thereof.

Keywords

• bisphosphonates
• calcitonin
• cinacalcet
• hypercalcaemia
• parathyroid adenoma
• primary hyperparathyroidism