Hypercalcaemia and Leprosy: A rare association
- Author:
Kartini K Rahim
;
Agnes Heng
;
Felix Yap BB
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
plaques, granulomatous disease, Malaysia
- From:Malaysian Journal of Dermatology
2011;27(-):13-13
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Case summary
A 62 year old gentleman was admitted to medical ward for 2 months history of generalized body weakness, anorexia,
vague abdominal pain, fatigue and multiple erythematous, non-pruritic, scaly patches and plaques scattered throughout
his body associated with nasal stuffiness. These lesions were hypoaesthetic.
Blood investigations revealed a high corrected calcium level at 3.24 mmol/L which explained his acute medical complaints.
Slit skin smear revealed Bacteriological Index (BI) of 1.2 and Morphological Index (MI) of 3.9. Skin biopsy confirmed the
diagnosis of Borderline Lepromatous Leprosy.
Institution of systemic steroids, vigorous intravenous fluid infusion and the implementation of multi-drug therapy for his
leprosy resulted in a relatively swift decrease in reduction of calcium level.
Conclusion
This case report highlights the rare but important association of hypercalcaemia with leprosy. However, other granulomatous
diseases such as sarcoidosis and tuberculosis have higher association with hypercalcaemia.
