Evaluation of hypercalcemia in relation to hyperparathyroidism

Hypercalcemia, which results from the rate of calcium influx into the extracellular fluid exceeding the rate of calcium efflux from the extracellular fluid, has been reported as occurring in approximately 1% to 4% of the adult population in general, and anywhere from 0.5% to 3% of hospitalized adult populations. Hypercalcemia associated with primary hyperparathyroidism has frequently resulted in the development of pancreatitis and peptic ulcer disease; however, the pathophysiologic mechanism of this association remains uncertain. This article examines the etiology and differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia, in particular regarding its association with primary hyperparathyroidism.