'Surgical cure' for non-parathyroid hypercalcemia

Abstract

Background: Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology. Over 90% patients of sarcoidosis present with pulmonary findings. Other organs such as lymph nodes, skin, and joints may be involved. Isolated granulomatous disease confined to the spleen is rare. Case presentation: This report documents a rare case of isolated granulomatous disease of spleen presenting as hypercalcemia. After all possible causes for hypercalcemia were ruled out, splenectomy was done which proved diagnostic and therapeutic, as calcium levels returned to normal. Conclusion: We propose that sarcoidosis should be kept in mind as a cause of unexplained hypercalcemia. Increased awareness of radiological features of splenic involvement in sarcoidosis, would help in diagnosis. We believe that we are reporting 9th case in the literature while writing this report. © 2009 Joglekar et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.