Hemodialysis in the treatment of severe hypercalcemia.

Severe hypercalcemia is a life-threatening problem that requires prompt therapy. With the exception of diuresis, most forms of therapy are either ineffective, slow in action, or have major serious disadvantages. In some instances diuresis is relatively ineffective. As shown in this case report, hemodialysis with a dialysate low in calcium is rapidly effective in such instances and should be considered for patients with severe hypercalcemia while they are being prepared for surgery or while diagnostic studies are being performed.

Pancreatic ascites: an unusual complication of hyperparathyroidism.

Pancreatic ascites is usually considered to be a sequela of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. Our patient had pancreatic pseudocyst formation and pancreatic ascites after acute pancreatitis, the latter secondary to hypercalcemic pancreatitis and documented hyperparathyroidism.