Hypercalcemia-induced pancreatitis in a women with a new diagnosis of lung cancer

Background

Hypercalcemia can present in myriad ways and has an extensive differential diagnosis. It can affect numerous different organ systems, resulting in an array of symptoms.

Report

We present the case of a 53-year-old female who presented to a rural emergency department with abdominal pain and vomiting. She was found to have a markedly elevated calcium level and an elevated lipase. Advanced imaging revealed a new lung mass. She was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of hypercalcemia of malignancy, with hypercalcemia-induced pancreatitis. She was treated with intravenous fluids, bisphosphonates, and calcitonin, and eventually discharged home with close follow up with an oncologist.

Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This

Hypercalcemia can result in severe end-organ damage or fatal dysrhythmia. Prompt treatment and identification of underlying pathology is essential to minimize morbidity and mortality.