New-Onset Hypercalcemia After Renal Transplant: An Infectious Etiology Beyond Persistent Hyperparathyroidism

Exp Clin Transplant. 2022 Jul;20(7):691-694. doi: 10.6002/ect.2021.0019. Epub 2021 Jun 17.

Abstract

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is an opportunistic infection in kidney transplant recipients. It may be complicated by hypercalcemia. Here, we discuss a 59-year-old man who presented with respiratory symptoms and hypercalcemia. He had undergone a deceased donor kidney transplant 2 years previously. The patient had persistent hyperparathyroidism, but his serum calcium level was normal. At the time of admission, his serum calcium level had increased and his parathyroid hormone level was suppressed. He was diagnosed with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels returned to baseline values after treatment. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is an important infection that can present with hypercalcemia among kidney transplant recipients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Calcium
  • Humans
  • Hypercalcemia* / diagnosis
  • Hypercalcemia* / etiology
  • Hyperparathyroidism* / diagnosis
  • Hyperparathyroidism* / etiology
  • Kidney Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis* / complications
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Calcium