Transient Heterotopic Calcification and Unexpected Hypercalcemia after Treatment of Septic Shock

Abstract

Transient heterotopic calcification with unexpected hypercalcemia after septic shock is a very rare phenomenon. We encountered a complicated case in which heterotopic calcification occurred in the liver, bilateral iliopsoas and pubococcygeal muscles after treatment of septic shock and multiple organ failure. Hypercalcemia was not present when the heterotopic calcification was detected by plain CT scans. Physicians who observe acute and progressive heterotopic calcification during sepsis treatment need to recognize the risk of hypercalcemia even if it is not present before the detection of heterotopic calcification. This case provides useful information regarding the critical aspects of heterotopic calcification after sepsis treatment.