Hypercalcemia can cause pancreatitis. Which statement is correct regarding this association?

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Hypercalcemia can contribute to pancreatitis. When calcium levels are high, calcium can promote premature activation of pancreatic enzymes within the pancreas and may cause calcium precipitation in the pancreatic ducts, both of which can trigger pancreatic inflammation and autodigestion. This association is recognized, though hypercalcemia is not the most common cause of pancreatitis (gallstones and alcohol are more frequent etiologies). In clinical practice, if pancreatitis occurs with elevated calcium, addressing the underlying hypercalcemia (for example, evaluating for primary hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D or calcium excess, or malignancy) is important alongside standard pancreatitis care.