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Hypercalcaemic stupor as a presentation of lymphosarcoma.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|April 1, 1975
Summary
A woman with schizophrenia-like symptoms presented in stupor due to hypercalcemia and high cerebrospinal fluid calcium. This was linked to an unsuspected lymphosarcoma, with no intracranial abnormalities found at autopsy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Schizophrenia-like symptoms can be mimicked by various medical conditions.
- Hypercalcemia, elevated calcium levels in the blood, can cause neurological disturbances.
- Lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of stupor caused by hypercalcemia secondary to lymphosarcoma.
- To investigate the relationship between high cerebrospinal fluid calcium and impaired consciousness.
- To discuss potential mechanisms of altered mental status in this clinical scenario.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 32-year-old woman with a two-year history of schizophrenia-like symptoms.
- Clinical presentation of stupor.
- Laboratory investigations including serum and cerebrospinal fluid calcium levels, and subsequent necropsy.
Main Results:
- The patient's stupor was attributed to severe hypercalcemia.
- Cerebrospinal fluid calcium concentration was found to be significantly elevated.
- Necropsy revealed unsuspected lymphosarcoma as the underlying cause, with no significant intracranial abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Hypercalcemia secondary to lymphosarcoma can present with neuropsychiatric symptoms mimicking schizophrenia.
- Elevated cerebrospinal fluid calcium may correlate with impaired consciousness.
- Thorough medical workup is crucial for patients with unexplained neurological deterioration.