Severe hypercalcemia in nonobstructive pyelonephritis with acute renal failure: hit or miss?

Severe hypercalcemia in the course of renal failure is quite unusual. If unrecognized, irreversible inexorable attrition of renal function takes place, carrying a substantial morbidity and mortality. In particular, acute nonobstructive pyelonephritis is barely considered in the primary differential diagnosis of renal failure. Without urinary obstruction, kidney hypoperfusion, or exposure to nephrotoxic agents, a significant decline in glomerular filtration rate generally does not occur. We report a case with severe hypercalcemia after acute renal failure caused by fulminating bacterial pyelonephritis. To obviate unnecessary intervention, preserve organ function, and achieve better outcomes, clinicians should not miss this entity.