Hypercalcaemia of hypoadrenal crisis mistaken for hypercalcaemia of malignancy in a patient with known bone metastases: a case report

Eur J Intern Med. 2000 Dec 20;11(6):348-350. doi: 10.1016/s0953-6205(00)00119-9.

Abstract

Hypercalcaemia is a well-recognised feature of hypoadrenalism. The adrenal glands are often involved with metastatic disease subclinically although full hypoadrenal crisis is not uncommon. Ill patients with known malignancy should generate a high degree of clinical suspicion for the possibility of adrenal involvement. This case highlights the need to look beyond confirmed bone metastases as the cause of hypercalcaemia in patients with widespread carcinomatosis.