Hypercalcaemia in chronic lymphatic leukaemia

Hypercalcaemia developed in a patient with chronic lymphatic leukaemia. The hypercalcaemia did not respond to conventional treatment. At bone biopsy osteoclastic resorption was found (a photomicrograph is presented). 7 cases from the literature of hypercalcaemia and chronic lymphatic leukaemia are briefly reviewed. Possible mechanisms are discussed and it is suggested that osteoclast-stimulating factors may be of importance in the development of the hypercalcaemia.