Hypercalcemia due to vitamin D intoxication with clinical features mimicking acute myocardial infarction

Intern Med. 2003 Apr;42(4):340-4. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.42.340.

Abstract

We report a case of hypercalcemia in an elderly patient due to vitamin D intoxication with clinical features and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings mimicking acute myocardial infarction. A 78-year-old man was referred to our department with symptoms of general fatigue, anorexia and chest pain. The ECG demonstrated ST elevation in leads V1 to V3 and diffuse T wave flattening, resulting in myocardial infarction being suspected. However, his symptoms, including chest pain, gradually improved and the ECG returned to normal in accordance with a fall in his serum calcium level. We introduce the use of QaTc interval shortening in differentiating ST-T changes of hypercalcemia from those of true myocardial ischemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chest Pain / chemically induced
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Hypercalcemia / chemically induced
  • Hypercalcemia / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnosis*
  • Vitamin D / poisoning*

Substances

  • Vitamin D