[Hyperparathyreoidism and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (author's transl)]

A 55 year old patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia is reported in whom hypercalcemia occurred associated with hypophosphatemia and elevated parathyroid hormone levels (C-terminal assay). Bone histology gave further evidence for hyperparathyroidism. During neck and mediastinal exploration numerous lymph nodes were exstirpated. Although pathologic parathyroid tissue could not be identified it is concluded from postoperative normalisation of calcium levels that hyperparathyroidism had been cured by surgery. The patient died the seventh postoperative day on bronchopulmonary infection. Early differential diagnostic evaluation of the rare symptom hypercalcemia in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is postulated.