Pmma body injection and hypercalcemia correlation: a cross-sectional observational study on the comprehensive analysis of variables

Abstract

Introduction: Hypercalcemia related to aesthetic intramuscular implants exclusively made of PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) is a very rare condition. Late complications of these implants are related to poorly understood inflammatory triggers, which may reactivate stabilized implants, increase calcitriol production, and lead to hypercalcemia. Methods: Records of patients seen between 2022 and 2023 with a PMMA microsphere body implant and a subsequent diagnosis of hypercalcemia were searched. Medical history, medication use, data on PMMA implantation, and laboratory tests related to calcium metabolism were described and subjected to variable correlation analysis. The instituted treatments were described. Results: A total of 17 female patients with exclusive body PMMA implants confirmed by ultrasonography or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image) developed hypercalcemia between 2017 and 2022. Prior renal disease, COVID-19 infection, vitamin D use, and anabolic steroid use correlated with laboratory changes in hypercalcemia. Larger PMMA implant volumes led to parathyroid hormone suppression. Conclusion: Patients with PMMA body implants may rarely present with hypercalcemia when variables such as renal disease before implantation, high doses of vitamin D or anabolic steroids are present. Based on the data presented and the available scientific literature, recommendations for patient investigation, implant volume limit, and patient follow-up after the procedure were made.