A rare case of pulmonary tuberculosis-associated hypercalcaemia and pancreatitis

Abstract

Hypercalcaemia is commonly seen in the context of parathyroid dysfunction and malignancy. When severe, it can precipitate a life-threatening sequel. The diagnostic evaluation of hypercalcaemia is contributed by several competing aetiologies, multiple co-existing conditions and confounded by polypharmacy. A 60-year-old female was rushed to emergency with severe pain in the abdomen. Her serum calcium level was 3.92 mmol/l. Pancreatitis was confirmed by biochemical and radiological investigations. She was subsequently diagnosed to have smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). She was successfully managed with intravenous fluids, diuresis and bisphosphonates and showed good response to anti-TB treatment. This case emphasizes considering pulmonary TB in the list of differential diagnosis for hypercalcaemia.

Keywords

• acute
• hypercalcaemia
• pancreatitis
• pulmonary
• tuberculosis