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Hypercalcaemia caused by a carcinoid tumour.
M M Brzozowska1, L Wolmarans, J V Conaglen
1Department of Endocrinology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand. mbrzozowska@hotmail.com
Internal Medicine Journal
|July 8, 2009
Summary
Humoral hypercalcaemia from carcinoid tumors is rare. This case shows excessive parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) secretion causing hypercalcaemia, which responded to octreotide, bisphosphonates, and steroids.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Humoral hypercalcaemia of malignancy is a complex endocrine disorder.
- Carcinoid tumors, a type of neuroendocrine tumor, uncommonly cause hypercalcaemia.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old woman with advanced carcinoid tumor presented with hypercalcaemia.
- Elevated levels of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and fibroblast growth factor 23 were noted.
Findings:
- The patient's hypercalcaemia was successfully managed with a combination of therapies.
- Treatment included long-acting octreotide analogue, bisphosphonates, and steroids.
Implications:
- This case highlights the role of PTHrP in malignancy-induced hypercalcaemia associated with neuroendocrine tumors.
- Somatostatin analogues demonstrate therapeutic potential in managing such complex endocrine-oncological presentations.
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