[Symptomatic hypercalcemia presenting as a case of isolated splenic tuberculosis]

Abstract

Background and objective: To describe an unusual clinical presentation as isolated splenic tuberculosis.

Patient and methods: We report a case of isolated splenic tuberculosis, a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in an immunocompetent patient, and, as a peculiarity, debuts in the form of symptomatic hypercalcemia.

Results: We deeply report the clinical case and the procedures performed to exclude other diseases. We emphasize the usefulness of fine needle aspiration of the spleen to obtain microbiological samples, and the use of specific polymerase chain reaction for mycobacterias to establish the definitive diagnosis of this entity. In agreement with other authors, we chose initial medical treatment with antituberculous drugs, reserving surgery for refractory cases or in case of spontaneous splenic rupture.

Conclusion: Hypercalcemia can be a presentation of granulomatous diseases. The isolated involvement of the spleen by mycobacterias is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and more so in immunocompetent patients.