No abstract

Three patients with hypercalcemia associated with malignant lymphoma and elevations in plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] are described. In addition to the elevation of circulating 1,25-(OH)2D, these three patients were characterized by suppressed immunoreactive PTH levels and urinary cAMP excretion, elevated fasting urinary excretion of calcium, and absence of adenylate cyclase-stimulating activity in the tumor extracts. Bone marrow biopsy and skeletal radionuclide scans were negative for lymphoma in two patients. Surgical excision of a solitary splenic lymphoma in one patient and medical therapy in another patient resulted in rapid normalization of the serum calcium and plasma 1,25-(OH)2D levels. These findings confirm an earlier observation that elevated plasma levels of 1,25-(OH)2D may occur in certain patients with lymphoma and suggest that this vitamin D metabolite may act as a humoral or systemic mediator of hypercalcemia. Proof that this is the case and identification of the source of 1,25-(OH)2D production will require further study.

The 8F cystocath has been used as a temporary percutaneous nephrostomy. B-mode ultrasonography was used to determine the depth and direction of trocar placement after initial confirmation with a spinal needle. No immediate complications were noted in 10 successful insertions and there was only 1 failure of entry.