Isolated Hepatic Sarcoidosis Presenting With Severe Hypercalcemia

Abstract Introduction: Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology that can affect various organs. Lungs, intra thoracic lymph nodes and skin are the most commonly affected organs. The prevalence of hepatic sarcoidosis ranges between 5 to 30%. However, isolated hepatic sarcoidosis is rare. Hypercalcemia in sarcoidosis varies considerably due to the varying disease course and is reported to occur between 2 to 63% cases. We report a unique care of isolated liver sarcoidosis that presented with severe parathyroid hormone (PTH) independent hypercalcemia. Case: A 58 years old woman of Asian ethnicity with a past medical history of type 1 diabetes, hypothyroidism and chronic kidney disease presented to emergency department with headaches and altered mental status. The headaches were present since 4 weeks and was associated with polyuria and polydipsia. Non contrast CT scan of brain was negative for acute intracranial process. Physical examination revealed unremarkable vital signs and physical findings except for the altered mental status on neurological exam (orientation to self only). Initial laboratory testing revealed high corrected serum calcium 12.2 (8.0- 10.1 mg/dl), acute renal failure with high serum creatinine 2.90 (0.57–1.0 mg/dl), abnormal liver panel with elevated AST 84 (5-32U/L), ALT 85 (5–33 U/L), Alkaline Phosphatase 151 (35-104U/L). Repeat corrected serum calcium was still high at 12.4 mg/dl which prompted further evaluation to search for the etiology of hypercalcemia and testing revealed 1, 25 dihydroxy vitamin D (1, 25 vit D) mediated hypercalcemia. Labs showed low PTH 14.6 (15–65 pg/ml), normal serum protein electrophoresis, low PTH-related peptide <2.0 pmol/L, low 25 hydroxy vitamin D 20 (30–100 ng/ml) and high 1, 25 vit D 96.5 (19.9–79.3 pg/ml). Imaging evaluation revealed multiple hypodense nodules in both lobes of the liver seen on ultrasound, and CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis was unremarkable except for the similar liver findings. Biopsy of the liver lesion revealed non-caseating granulomas with no evidence for lymphoma and negative for acid fast bacteria and fungal organisms. Patient was treated with intravenous fluids, zoledronic acid and initiated on a course on oral prednisone that was tapered over a period of 6 months. There was a tremendous improvement in overall clinical condition. Serum calcium and 1, 25 vit D levels normalized. CT scan performed 3 months later showed complete resolution of all liver lesions. Conclusion: While most cases of hepatic sarcoidosis are asymptomatic and are incidentally found due to abnormal liver function tests or imaging done for other causes, we present a case of isolated hepatic sarcoidosis diagnosed due to symptomatic severe PTH independent hypercalcemia. Even though rare, extra-pulmonary sarcoidosis should be in differentials for 1, 25 vit D mediated hypercalcemia even if thoracic imaging are unremarkable.

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PROLONGED HYPERCALCEMIA FROM ANTIBIOTIC-ELUTING CALCIUM SULFATE BEADS

AACE Clinical Case Reports ◽

10.4158/accr-2019-0194 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (6) ◽

pp. e349-e351 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amy Vora ◽

Sadia Ali

Keyword(s):

Renal Failure ◽

Mental Status ◽

Serum Calcium ◽

Calcium Sulfate ◽

Volume Overload ◽

Altered Mental Status ◽

Caucasian Woman ◽

Local Antibiotics ◽

Joint Infections ◽

Severe Hypercalcemia

Objective: Calcium sulfate beads (CSBs) are biocompatible hydrophilic crystals that are used to deliver local antibiotics in periprosthetic joint infections. Hypercalcemia after placement of CSBs is uncommon and poorly understood. Methods: We present the case of a woman who presented with symptomatic hypercalcemia after placement of antibiotic-eluting CSBs. Results: A 58-year-old, Caucasian woman presented with altered mental status, respiratory failure, and septic shock 2 days after placement of antibiotic-eluting CSBs for a left prosthetic hip infection. Laboratory analysis revealed severe hypercalcemia at presentation. She had no known history of fractures, kidney stones, parathyroid, or calcium disorders. She was not on any medications that could induce hypercalcemia. She was treated with aggressive intravenous hydration and 8 doses of calcitonin. Due to impaired renal function, bisphosphonate was contraindicated. She subsequently became anuric with worsening renal failure and volume overload and the decision was made to initiate dialysis. She received 8 days of continuous renal replacement therapy followed by 2 sessions of hemodialysis which improved her serum calcium levels, mental status, and renal failure with no long-term complications. Conclusion: Hypercalcemia secondary to the placement of antibiotic-eluting CSBs is rare. Larger volumes of CSBs may contribute to hypercalcemia. In some cases, hypercalcemia can be severe and symptomatic as in the case of our patient. Serum calcium levels should be monitored frequently after placement of CSBs and managed as appropriate.

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A 66-year-old Man With Fever and Altered Mental Status: A Case Report

Clinical Management Issues ◽

10.7175/cmi.v12i1.1350 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Federica Romano ◽

Raffaella Radin ◽

Paolo Ghiringhelli

Keyword(s):

Ct Scan ◽

Mental Status ◽

Pulmonary Nodules ◽

Altered Mental Status ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Empiric Antibiotic Therapy ◽

Solitary Pulmonary Nodules ◽

Previous Night ◽

Pleural Thickening ◽

Empiric Antibiotic

We describe the case of a 66-year-old man who was admitted to the Emergency Department with high fever, urinary incontinence, asthenia, and altered mental status characterized by drowsiness and lethargy from the previous night. The head CT scan was negative, while the chest X-ray showed a right basal reduced transparency and solitary pulmonary nodules already known and considered as expression of asbestosis. No acute neurological signs were observed by the consultant neurologist. A diagnosis of right basal pneumonia complicated by delirium was made and an empiric antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone plus azithromycin was started. As patient’s conditions did not improve in the following 48 hours, a lumbar puncture was performed, with the microbiological isolation of L. monocytogenes. According to the indications of the infectious disease consultant, a new antibiotic regimen with ampicillin/sulbactam plus gentamicin was introduced. The chest CT scan performed as further examination revealed right pleural thickening highly suspicious for mesothelioma. The patient was discharged after 4 weeks with no neurological deficits.

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Diagnostic Reliability of Headset-Type Continuous Video EEG Monitoring for Detection of ICU Patterns and NCSE in Patients with Altered Mental Status with Unknown Etiology

Neurocritical Care ◽

10.1007/s12028-019-00863-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 217-225 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Satoshi Egawa ◽

Toru Hifumi ◽

Hidetoshi Nakamoto ◽

Yasuhiro Kuroda ◽

Yuichi Kubota

Keyword(s):

Mental Status ◽

Altered Mental Status ◽

Unknown Etiology ◽

Eeg Monitoring ◽

Diagnostic Reliability ◽

Video Eeg

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SAT-363 Renal Papillary Necrosis Associated with Normocalcemic Hyperparathyroidism

Journal of the Endocrine Society ◽

10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.382 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mohamed K M Shakir ◽

Vijay Kiran ◽

Zachary Bloomer ◽

Terry Shin ◽

Vinh Q Mai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Ct Scan ◽

Serum Calcium ◽

Renal Ultrasound ◽

Urine Calcium ◽

Papillary Necrosis ◽

Renal Papillary Necrosis ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

History Of

Abstract IntroductionHypercalciuria is generally considered to be the most common identifiable metabolic risk factor for calcium nephrolithiasis. Important renal manifestations of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) include asymptomatic nephrolithiasis, hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, and chronic renal insufficiency. However renal papillary necrosis (RPN) occurring in PHPT has not been reported previously. We report a 50-year-old woman who manifested RPN associated with hypercalciuria and normocalcemic PHPT. Case ReportA 50-year-old Caucasian woman was evaluated in 2006 for hypercalcemia. She had no history of nephrolithiasis, fractures, or symptoms of hypercalcemia. Laboratory: serum calcium 11.8 mg/dL, ionized calcium 6.3 mg/dL, phosphorus 1.8 mg/dL, intact PTH 98 pg/mL (ref 15–65), urine calcium 543 mg/24 hrs (ref <235). Renal ultrasound showed no evidence of nephrocalcinosis or nephrolithiasis. A parathyroid scan was consistent with a left superior parathyroid adenoma. Patient underwent parathyroidectomy and became normocalcemic with normal serum PTH levels postoperatively. One year later she was diagnosed with a left sided bronchial carcinoid tumor. Surveillance Gallium-68 PET/CT scan done 2 years later was negative for any metastases. Twelve years later she reported to our clinic for follow up. She had no symptoms of hypercalcemia, fractures, nephrolithiasis, history of pyelonephritis, diabetes mellitus, analgesic use, or hypertension. Serum calcium was 9.1 mg/dL, serum phosphorous 3.8mg/dL, PTH 82 pg/mL, 25-OH vitamin D 34 ng/mL, 1,25-vitamin D 38 pg/mL, and a urorisk panel was normal except for a 24-hour urine calcium of 410 mg. However renal ultrasound showed bilateral RPN and this diagnosis was also confirmed by a CT scan. A urinalysis showed only microalbuminuria with no red cells. She had no history of any analgesic drug abuse, pyelonephritis, sickle cell disease, or diabetes mellitus. A glucose tolerance test was completely normal. Discussion RPN is characterized by coagulative necrosis of the renal medullary pyramids and papillae brought on by several associated disorders and toxins that exhibit synergism toward the development of ischemia. Although the initial kidney US was normal, a repeat US done 12 years later showed evidence of RPN. This finding along with hypercalciuria and a diagnosis of normocalcemic PHPT suggests that RPN may be associated with hypercalciuria and normocalcemic PHPT. Furthermore she had no other risk factors for RPN. Additional studies with large number of patients are needed to confirm the association between these 2 disorders.

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Man with headache and altered mental status

Emergency Medicine Journal ◽

10.1136/emermed-2020-210071 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 38 (7) ◽

pp. 519-528

Author(s):

Christiana K Prucnal ◽

Paul S Jansson

Keyword(s):

Ct Scan ◽

Mental Status ◽

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery ◽

Altered Mental Status ◽

Sinus Surgery ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Nasal Discharge ◽

List Type ◽

Ischaemic Damage ◽

Contrast Ct

PresentationAn 83-year-old man presented for headache and altered mental status. Four days prior, he underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for nasal polyps. Over the two previous days, he gradually developed a headache and was brought to the emergency department when his wife noted mild confusion and generalised weakness. His examination was notable for a heart rate of 101 beats per minute, clear nasal discharge, meningismus and confusion to the date with generalised weakness. A lumbar puncture revealed cloudy cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with a white blood cell count of 3519x10ˆ9/L (95% neutrophils). A CT scan of the head was obtained (figure 1).Figure 1Non-contrast CT scan of the head in axial plane.QuestionWhat is the appropriate next step in management?Obtain MRI of the brain to localise ischaemic damage.Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics, including pseudomonal coverage.Consult otolaryngology to arrange functional endoscopic sinus surgery for CSF leak closure.Consult neurosurgery for surgical decompression of mass lesion(s).

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MON-340 Isolated Extrapulmonary Sarcoidosis Presenting as Symptomatic Hypercalcemia

Journal of the Endocrine Society ◽

10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.866 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Janya Swami

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Liver Biopsy ◽

Mental Status ◽

Calcium Absorption ◽

Granulomatous Inflammation ◽

Normal Serum ◽

Unknown Etiology ◽

Granulomatous Disease ◽

Organ Systems ◽

Sarcoidosis Present

Abstract Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology often involving multiple organ systems. Sarcoidosis most frequently affects the lungs, but in upto 30% of cases, can present with extrapulmonary manifestations. Less than 10% of patients with sarcoidosis present with disease at extrapulmonary sites. 10%-20% patients with sarcoidosis present with hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia in sarcoidosis is secondary to increased intestinal calcium absorption due to increased levels of 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D. Clinical Case: 71-year-old Caucasian male presenting to his primary care physician with 3-week duration of fatigue, anorexia, mild confusion and unintentional weight loss was found to have moderate hypercalcemia and acute kidney injury. He was admitted the hospital for evaluation and management. Labs at admission revealed albumin-corrected calcium of 13.5 mg/dL (normal 8.5-11.0 mg/dL), creatinine of 1.78 mg/dL (normal 0.7- 1.3mg/dL) and alkaline phosphatase of 173 U/L (normal 45-117 U/L). Workup noted low PTH (3,normal 14-72 pg/mL), normal 25-hydroxy Vitamin D (50.7,normal 30-100 ng/dL), normal PTHrP and normal serum electrophoresis and immunofixation indicating non-PTH dependent hypercalcemia. 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D (125, normal 18-64 pg/mL) and ACE levels (159 U/L, normal 16-85 U/L) were elevated. Patient denied being on any Vitamin D supplements. A CT chest, abdomen and pelvis was done to look for occult malignancy and hepatosplenomegaly was noted with only mild compressive atelectasis of lungs. Abdominal ultrasound confirmed hepatomegaly with lobulated outer contour consistent with cirrhosis. Acute hepatitis, infectious and autoimmune work up was negative. Patient was discharged with mild improvement in calcium and mental status with hydration. Due to high suspicion for granulomatous disease, a liver biopsy was done. Liver biopsy confirmed granulomatous hepatitis with stage 2 of 4 fibrosis with numerous foci of non-caseating granulomatous inflammation. With negative acid-fast staining, no fungal organisms, absence of foreign material, normal eosinophil counts and low clinical suspicion for Crohn’s disease, a diagnosis of abdominal sarcoidosis was made. The patient was started on 10 mg prednisone daily and within one week, his albumin- corrected calcium levels improved to 10.4 mg/dL with significant improvement in appetite and mental status. Conclusion: While isolated extrapulmonary sarcoidosis is rare, it is an important cause of hypercalcemia due to elevated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels. Management of hypercalcemia secondary to sarcoidosis often consists of initiating glucocorticoids which act mainly by inhibition of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D synthesis in addition to inhibiting calcium absorption and osteoclast activity.

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Altered Mental Status in the Emergency Department – When to Consider Anti-LGI-1 Encephalitis: Case Report

Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine ◽

10.5811/cpcem.2021.4.51535 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 303-306

Author(s):

Stephanie Miljkovic ◽

B. Witkind Koenig

Keyword(s):

Case Report ◽

Mental Status ◽

Short Term Memory ◽

Limbic Encephalitis ◽

Psychiatric Symptoms ◽

Memory Loss ◽

Altered Mental Status ◽

Unknown Etiology ◽

Delay In Diagnosis ◽

Medicine Community

Introduction: Anti-leucine-rich glioma inactivated-1 (LGI-1) is one of few antibodies implicated in limbic encephalitis, a syndrome that can result in permanent neurological symptoms if left untreated. Case Report: We present a patient with dystonic seizures, progressive cognitive decline, psychiatric symptoms and short-term memory loss, and mild hyponatremia diagnosed with anti-LGI-1 antibody limbic encephalitis. Conclusion: There are few reports in the emergency medicine community describing anti-LGI-1 antibody limbic encephalitis. Delay in diagnosis can risk irreversible limbic damage. Therefore, it is important for the emergency physician to be aware of anti-LGI-1 antibody limbic encephalitis when presented with adult-onset seizures and altered mental status of unknown etiology.

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