A rare case of acute respiratory distress syndrome driven by parathyroid storm: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) driven by parathyroid storm-associated hypercalcemiahas rarely been documented in the literature. This underreported complication leads to inappropriate management, resulting in uncertain outcomes. Case presentation: We report a case of a 41-year-old female who presented with parathyroid storm and hypercalcemia-induced ARDS. Infection screens were negative. After receiving medical treatment with invasive ventilation and extracorporealmembrane oxygenation, her respiratory condition improved gradually. Her bronchoscopic lung biopsy pathology showed alveolar calcium deposition. A chestcomputed tomography scan also demonstrated improvement in pulmonary calcification, although it did not completely disappear even 2 months after blood calcium decreased to normal after radiofrequency ablation of parathyroid adenoma. Conclusion: Although rare, unexplained respiratory failure in patients with parathyroid crisis-associated hypercalcemia should be considered for the possibility of ARDS due to hypercalcemia.