Refractory hypocalcaemia complicating metastatic prostatic carcinoma

Abstract

A 72-year-old man with a background of ischaemic heart disease was referred to the accident and emergency department with a 1-week history of worsening dyspnoea and lethargy. A chest X-ray revealed a right-sided lobar pneumonia and a prolonged corrected QT interval was noted on his ECG at presentation. Laboratory investigations confirmed severe hypocalcaemia, significant vitamin D deficiency and relative hypoparathyroidism. A markedly elevated prostate-specific antigen was also identified. Bone scintigraphy demonstrated widespread osteoblastic bone metastases. Severe hypocalcaemia persisted despite treatment and he succumbed after 60 days of hospitalisation.