A 60-year-old man in Poland presented with dangerously high blood calcium levels, a symptom that doctors eventually traced back to decades-old, unregulated muscle injections. The case, recently detailed in medical reports, highlights a rare but serious consequence of synthol use: long-term systemic calcium leakage.
The Patient’s Condition
The man initially sought treatment for vomiting and unexplained weight loss. Blood tests revealed failing kidneys and critically elevated calcium levels. Imaging showed widespread calcium deposits in major organs, including the kidneys, pancreas, and stomach, along with calcified abnormalities in his chest muscles. Despite initial treatment to lower calcium, the levels rebounded, leading to his admission to a nephrology ward.
The Crucial Revelation
The breakthrough came when the patient disclosed a 30-year history of self-administered intramuscular injections, likely containing testosterone, in his chest and upper arms to artificially enlarge his muscles. Though the injections stopped two years prior, their effects lingered. Further testing ruled out common hormonal imbalances, cancers, and autoimmune conditions, pointing towards a unique underlying cause.
Synthol as the Culprit
A muscle biopsy confirmed the presence of an oil-based substance, consistent with synthol—a muscle-plumping agent containing primarily medium-chain triglycerides. The patient’s body reacted to the indigestible oil, creating chronic inflammation, scarring, and eventually, massive calcium deposits within the muscle tissue. Over time, this calcium leached into his bloodstream, triggering severe hypercalcemia.
Treatment and Implications
The medical team concluded that surgical removal of the calcified muscle was the most reliable long-term solution, as demonstrated in previous cases. However, the report does not indicate whether the patient underwent this procedure. The case adds to a growing body of evidence that synthol injections, despite being readily available, can have devastating, delayed complications. Only two prior cases linking synthol to high calcium have been reported, both from Lebanon.
The Broader Picture
Synthol, while marketed as a cosmetic enhancement, carries serious risks including muscle deformity, chronic wounds, and systemic inflammation. This case demonstrates that even discontinued use can result in long-term health crises. The delayed onset of the calcium imbalance underscores the need for greater awareness among both users and healthcare professionals.
The case report emphasizes that synthol injections can cause elevated serum calcium levels, even years after use, highlighting the substance’s potential for severe, delayed complications.
