Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome due to hypercalcemia associated with parathyroid hormone-related peptide: a case report and review of the literature

Intern Med. 2013;52(21):2465-8. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.52.0444.

Abstract

We herein report the case of a 58-year-old man with advanced esophageal carcinoma who developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). He initially presented with a severe consciousness disturbance. A subsequent examination revealed hypercalcemia and an elevated serum parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) level. Magnetic resonance imaging performed on admission and 24 days later showed reversible widespread white matter abnormalities, which confirmed a diagnosis of PRES. The patient's clinical and radiological manifestations improved upon normalization of the serum calcium level. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing hypercalcemia-induced PRES occurring in association with elevated PTHrP.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Esophageal Neoplasms / blood
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / complications
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hypercalcemia / blood
  • Hypercalcemia / complications*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Nervous System / blood
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Nervous System / diagnosis
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Nervous System / etiology
  • Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein / blood*
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / blood
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / etiology*

Substances

  • PTHLH protein, human
  • Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein