Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
10:04
Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
Hypercalcemia in active pulmonary tuberculosis.
S A Al-Majed1, R Sulimani, F Al-Kassimi
1Division of Respiratory Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, and Division of Nephrology, King Khalid University Hospital, and Sahary Chest Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Annals of Saudi Medicine
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Hypercalcemia affects over a quarter of active pulmonary tuberculosis patients, often mild and resolving with treatment. Vitamin D likely does not cause this condition in tuberculosis cases.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Active pulmonary tuberculosis is a global health concern.
- Hypercalcemia is a known, though infrequent, complication of various granulomatous diseases.
- The role of vitamin D in tuberculosis-associated hypercalcemia remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hypercalcemia in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis.
- To investigate the characteristics and potential causes of hypercalcemia in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 241 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Serum calcium levels were analyzed at presentation and during antituberculous therapy.
- Patient data, including age, radiological findings, and vitamin D status, were assessed.
Main Results:
- Hypercalcemia was detected in 62 (26%) patients.
- Most cases showed mild hypercalcemia, typically resolving spontaneously with chemotherapy.
- Hypercalcemia was more frequent in patients over 50 years old.
- Vitamin D deficiency prevalence in Saudi Arabia did not correlate with hypercalcemia in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Hypercalcemia is a common finding in active pulmonary tuberculosis, usually mild and self-limiting.
- Vitamin D intake is unlikely to be a significant factor in inducing hypercalcemia in tuberculosis.
- Further research may explore other mechanisms contributing to hypercalcemia in tuberculosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
01:23Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...