Sarcoidosis presenting with severe hypocalcaemia

Ir J Med Sci. 2011 Jun;180(2):575-7. doi: 10.1007/s11845-009-0277-9. Epub 2009 Jan 31.

Abstract

Disorders of calcium metabolism, especially hypercalcemia and hypercalceuria, are common in sarcoidosis. They are caused by extra renal unsuppressed production of 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D at the level of the sarcoid granuloma. Hormonal changes during pregnancy have a physiological synergistic effect on this mechanism, which is primarily parathyroid hormone (PTH) dependant. However, the combination of primary hypoparathyroidism with hypocalcemia and sarcoidosis is rare. Di George syndrome, is a dysmorphic disorder characterised by aplasia/hypoplasia of thymus and parathyroid glands in addition to aortic arch anamolies and facial dysmorphia. After commencing appropriate treatment this lady made excellent recovary.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcium / therapeutic use
  • DiGeorge Syndrome / complications*
  • DiGeorge Syndrome / drug therapy
  • DiGeorge Syndrome / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypocalcemia / drug therapy
  • Hypocalcemia / etiology
  • Lymphatic Diseases / complications*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Sarcoidosis / complications*
  • Sarcoidosis / drug therapy
  • Steroids / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Steroids
  • Vitamin D
  • Calcium