2726 Dilemma of Hypercalcemia and Persistent Peptic Ulcer Disease: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hypercalcemia has been linked to peptic ulcer disease (PUD), but between the two is not well understood. We are presenting a case of PUD that did not respond to long term twice daily PPI but did improve when the hypercalcemia was corrected with parathyroidectomy. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 48-year-old male patient underwent one yearlong evaluation for persistent abdominal pain. His evaluation included three CT scans, EGD as well as octreotide and parathyroid scans. Initially, it was believed that his symptoms were related to severe PUD that did not respond to prescribed medical treatment due to poor patient compliance. He presented to the ED complaining of epigastric pain. Abdominal imaging revealed inflammation and narrowing of the entire duodenum as well as non-obstructive nephrolithiasis. His Calcium level was 11 mg/dl. An EGD revealed many non-bleeding cratered duodenal ulcers in the entire duodenum. An acquired non-obstructing, benign-appearing, intrinsic stenosis was found in the third portion of the duodenum. Biopsies were negative for H. pylori infection. He denied NSAID use. He was discharged on oral PPI therapy twice daily. Two months later, he returned with recurrent abdominal pain after running out of his PPI. CT scan showed persistent inflammatory changes involving the entire duodenum to the jejunum. Serum gastrin level was 201 pg/ml. Calcium level was 10.4 mg/dL. He was treated symptomatically with plans for outpatient push enteroscopy. The patient’s clinical course was complicated by obstructive nephrolithiasis requiring bilateral ureteral stents. Almost one year later, he returned with abdominal pain. Another CT scan showed persistent duodenitis. His labs showed evidence of Hypercalcemia 12 mg/dl. Gastrin Level 382 pg/ml. Octreotide scan was performed and was negative for any active neuroendocrine tumor. Parathyroid scan revealed parathyroid adenoma. The patient underwent parathyroidectomy and did well. He was discharged home on PPI twice daily. He was seen in follow-up and denied any PUD symptoms. DISCUSSION: This patient with severe non-resolving peptic ulcers. Removal of the parathyroid adenoma resulted in complete resolution of his symptoms. The gastric secretory response to hypercalcemia may be responsible for the occurrence of peptic ulcer disease in patients with hyperparathyroidism. In conclusion, serum calcium level must be considered among the usual tests in patients with rare and/or non-specific abdominal symptoms and part of the workup for persistent PUD.