Lessons to be learned: a case study approach. Sunshine-induced hypercalcaemia?

A man of 56 years presented with severe hypercalcaemia shortly after returning from a holiday in the sun. The final diagnosis was sarcoidosis. Measurement of the metabolites of vitamin D did not support sunshine exposure as being a contributory factor to the hypercalcaemia. The effects of sarcoid tissue on calcium metabolism are discussed.