# Milk-Alkali Syndrome in the Context of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: An Overlooked Aetiology of Hypercalcaemia

## TL;DR

A man with tuberculosis and high calcium levels was found to have milk-alkali syndrome, a rare but treatable condition caused by excessive milk consumption.

## Contribution

Highlights milk-alkali syndrome as a reversible cause of hypercalcaemia in TB patients, often overlooked in differential diagnosis.

## Key findings

- Hypercalcaemia persisted despite standard treatments and absence of malignancy or granulomatous disease.
- Excessive milk intake was identified as the underlying cause, resolved by stopping dairy consumption.
- Symptoms and calcium levels normalized within two weeks after eliminating milk.

## Abstract

A 64-year-old male with a history of alcoholism and newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) developed hypercalcaemia during anti-TB treatment (Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol). He manifested right leg bone pain and hallucinations. Hypercalcaemia workup, including parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, myeloma screen, and imaging, revealed no underlying malignancy or granulomatous bone involvement. Despite stopping vitamin D/calcium supplements and receiving fluids, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, and steroids, his calcium levels remained elevated. Further history revealed excessive milk intake (1-2 L/day). Cessation of dairy led to gradual symptom resolution and normalisation of serum calcium within two weeks. This case highlights milk-alkali syndrome as a rare but reversible cause of hypercalcaemia in TB patients.