Paradoxical scintigraphy bone scan findings with malignancy-associated extreme hypercalcemia
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Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Multi-modal Imaging of Angiogenesis in a Nude Rat Model of Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Volumetric Computed Tomography and Ultrasound
Published on: August 14, 2012
Niamh Peters1, Laura Slattery2, Claire Crowley3
1Department of Medical Oncology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
Abstract:
We report the first case of extreme hypercalcemia (Ca 2+ >6.0 mmol/L) as the initial presentation of de novo metastatic breast cancer. Following treatment and stabilization of the patient, imaging revealed a large breast mass and widespread osseous metastases. Whole body bone scintigraphy demonstrated significant extra osseous uptake of radiotracer in the lungs, liver, and kidneys-a rare phenomenon secondary to profound hypercalcemia. Biopsy revealed estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast carcinoma, for which the patient was treated.
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