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Hypercalcemia and soft tissue calcification owing to sarcoidosis: The sunlight‐cola connection
Author(s) -
Demetriou Emily TW,
Pietras Sara M,
Holick Michael F
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of bone and mineral research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.882
H-Index - 241
eISSN - 1523-4681
pISSN - 0884-0431
DOI - 10.1002/jbmr.51
Subject(s) - calcification , sarcoidosis , cola (plant) , sunlight , medicine , connection (principal bundle) , soft tissue , calcinosis , dermatology , pathology , optics , physics , structural engineering , engineering
Abstract Hypercalcemia occurs in sarcoidosis because of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D production by pulmonary alveolar macrophages. Long‐standing hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria may cause such complications as nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis, and soft tissue calcification, which can be at least partially reversible with treatment. Here we present a 43‐year‐old African‐American man with diffuse soft tissue calcifications and acute kidney injury owing to sarcoidosis‐induced hypercalcemia, probably exacerbated by sun exposure and phosphorus intake in the form of dietary cola drinks. Soft tissue calcifications resolved and kidney function improved significantly with hydration and glucocorticoid therapy. We discuss the pathophysiology of the hypercalcemia of sarcoidosis and current treatment options. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research