# Bisphosphonate-Induced Orbital Cellulitis in a Patient With Suspected Parathyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report

**Authors:** Teodora McKenna, Dominic E McKenna, Vinson Fernandes, Marian Korda, Una Bradley

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63577 · Cureus · 2024-07-01

## TL;DR

A 79-year-old man developed rare orbital inflammation after bisphosphonate treatment, which was successfully treated, and the challenges of diagnosing parathyroid carcinoma are discussed.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare side effect of bisphosphonate-induced orbital cellulitis and the diagnostic challenges of parathyroid carcinoma.

## Key findings

- Orbital cellulitis occurred following intravenous pamidronate disodium treatment in a patient with severe hypercalcaemia.
- The patient's condition was successfully managed, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this rare side effect.
- The case underscores the difficulties in diagnosing parathyroid carcinoma.

## Abstract

Bisphosphonates are widely used for a number of metabolic bone conditions. Orbital inflammation is a very rare side effect of bisphosphonate therapy that can risk permanent visual loss. We describe the complex case and successful treatment of a 79-year-old man who developed orbital cellulitis following the use of intravenous pamidronate disodium for severe hypercalcaemia. The challenges regarding the diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma are also discussed.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** pamidronate disodium (PubChem CID 73351)
- **Diseases:** orbital cellulitis (MONDO:0006881), parathyroid carcinoma (MONDO:0012004)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Orbital Cellulitis (MESH:D054517), visual loss (MESH:D014786), Orbital inflammation (MESH:D007249), Parathyroid Carcinoma (MESH:D010282)
- **Chemicals:** pamidronate disodium (MESH:D000077268), Bisphosphonate (MESH:D004164)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

9 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11290043/full.md

## References

20 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11290043/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11290043