An unusual diagnosis in a child presenting with hypercalcemia: acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Hypercalcemia is a rare complication of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in childhood. We report a 4-year-old boy who presented with hypercalcemia and was diagnosed to have acute leukemia. The laboratory tests for main causes of hypercalcemia (Hyperparathyroidism, hypervitaminosis A and D, hyperthyroidi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Gülhane Tip Dergisi 2010-03, Vol.52 (1), p.47-48
Main Authors: Taşkesen, Mustafa, Okur, Nurettin, Söker, Murat, M. Ali Taş
Format: Article
Language:eng ; tur
Subjects:
Blood
Drug overdose
Laboratories
Leukemia
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Summary:Hypercalcemia is a rare complication of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in childhood. We report a 4-year-old boy who presented with hypercalcemia and was diagnosed to have acute leukemia. The laboratory tests for main causes of hypercalcemia (Hyperparathyroidism, hypervitaminosis A and D, hyperthyroidism) were within normal limits. Hypercalcemia was treated with intravenous isotonic sodium chloride solution, furosemide and corticosteroids. In repeat laboratory tests performed on day 4 of admission, a normal complete blood cell count was found, but peripheral blood smear examination at this time revealed atypical lymphocytes. A bone marrow aspiration was performed, and 80% lymphoblasts were determined. The diagnosis of acute leukemia cannot be excluded in a patient with hypercalcemia and normal complete blood cell count and peripheral blood smear examination results. Repeat laboratory and detailed peripheral blood smear examinations are necessary to make a correct diagnosis in such cases.
ISSN:1302-0471
2146-8052