Paradoxical scintigraphy bone scan findings with malignancy-associated extreme hypercalcemia

Breast J. 2020 Jul;26(7):1372-1374. doi: 10.1111/tbj.13821. Epub 2020 Mar 24.

Abstract

We report the first case of extreme hypercalcemia (Ca 2+ >6.0 mmol/L) as the initial presentation of de novo metastatic breast cancer. Following treatment and stabilization of the patient, imaging revealed a large breast mass and widespread osseous metastases. Whole body bone scintigraphy demonstrated significant extra osseous uptake of radiotracer in the lungs, liver, and kidneys-a rare phenomenon secondary to profound hypercalcemia. Biopsy revealed estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast carcinoma, for which the patient was treated.

Keywords: bone scintigraphy; hypercalcaemia; metastatic breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms* / complications
  • Bone Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast
  • Breast Neoplasms* / complications
  • Breast Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypercalcemia* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hypercalcemia* / etiology
  • Radionuclide Imaging