Small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type causing an acute kidney injury

SummaryWe report a case of small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type, a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer, causing an acute kidney injury. A woman in her mid-30s presented with a large pelvic mass and abdominal distention, this was associated with rapidly deteriorating renal function, which did not improve with standardised kidney injury treatment. There was a high suspicion of ovarian cancer. She deteriorated and underwent emergency cytoreductive surgery, followed by systemic chemotherapy. Her presentation, acute kidney injury and electrolyte disturbance preoperatively and postoperatively suggest this was caused by her cancer. Renal dysfunction, due to paraneoplastic syndromes, is a rare oncological emergency seen with solid tumours. Awareness of the condition can lead to early recognition and timely management.