Diagnostic Considerations in Hypercalcemia

Abstract

DESPITE knowledge that hypercalcemia, regardless of cause, is injurious and potentially lethal, there is wide variation in the diligence with which its presence or absence is determined in patients having suggestive manifestations of this disorder. A persistently high concentration of serum calcium is conducive to renal damage, calculus formation and vicarious calcification.^{1 , 2} In addition, anorexia, nausea and vomiting are exceedingly common complaints of patients with hypercalcemia, and physicians need be aware that such symptoms may herald the onset of a rapidly fatal course. Indeed, in those with markedly increased concentrations of serum calcium (usually in the range of 15 to . . .