Misleading acute hypercalcemia due to hyperlipidemia: a method-dependent error.

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of artifactual hypercalcemia in a patient with hyperlipidemia.

METHODS

We present clinical data and laboratory findings in a 33-year-old woman with generalized fatigue, a recent 5-kg weight loss, and a papular rash on the extremities as well as a history of diabetes and hypertension.

RESULTS

Physical examination revealed an obese patient with eruptive xanthomas and lipemia retinalis. Laboratory tests showed hyperlipidemia, hypercalcemia (serum calcium measured by spectrophotometry), anemia, hyperproteinemia, hyperuricemia, and hyperbilirubinemia. After 4 days of a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and gemfibrozil therapy, the serum triglyceride level decreased, and the serum calcium concentration returned to normal.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with hypercalcemia without an obvious cause, a spurious measurement should be considered.