Summary
Background. Pancreatitis usually develops due to gall bladder and bile duct stones and chronic alcohol consumption. In rare cases, pancreatitis can be a result of other causes, such as hypercalcemia. Primary hyperparathyroidism is the main cause of hypercalcemia-induced pancreatitis. The exact mechanism of hypercalcemia-induced pancreatitis is unknown. It is estimated that hypercalcemia activates pancreatic enzymes, leading to pancreatic autodigestion and calcium accumulation in the pancreatic ducts. The interaction between gene mutations and hypercalcemia might also increase the risk of pancreatitis. There are no specific clinical symptoms associated with hypercalcemia-induced pancreatitis. It is suspected when pancreatitis is diagnosed along with elevated calcium and parathyroid hormone levels in the blood. It is important to determine the cause of hypercalcemia- induced pancreatitis and provide the appropriate treatment, avoiding both – the complications of pancreatitis and the dangerous effects of hyper calcemia.
Clinical case. This article presents a clinical case of a 72-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital due to recurrent exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis and arrhythmias. The primary cause of pancreatitis was alcohol consumption. However, laboratory tests revealed elevated total and ionized calcium and parathormone concentrations. Radiological examinations indicated chronic pancreatitis and an enlarged parathyroid gland. The patient was diagnosed with hypercalcemia-induced pancreatitis associated with primary hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid adenoma. Standard treatment of pancreatitis and hypercalcemia was applied along with the right parathyroidectomy. The patient’s condition significantly improved.
Conclusions. Hypercalcemia is a rare and potentially fatal cause of pancreatitis. It is important to initiate standard pancreatitis therapy and manage hypercalcemia to avoid complications.
