Calciphylaxis
28.02.2014
Zhou Q, Neubauer J, Kern JS, Grotz W, Walz G, Huber TB
Lancet. 2014;383(9922):1067.
Calciphylaxis is a syndrome of systemic medial calcification of the arteries leading to tissue necrosis. Skin biopsy and radiographic features are helpful in the diagnosis; but negative results do not necessarily exclude the diagnosis. Although the pathogenesis remains unclear, several comorbid conditions are known to increase its development. Here present a case of a 59-year-old man with end-stage renal disease and haemodialysis since 2008 was admitted with painful, non-healing ulcerations on his legs. The lesions developed without known trauma 2 months before admission. Pedal pulses were palpable on both sides and there were no signs of chronic venous insufficiency.
Radiography of the soft tissue revealed diff use calcified arterioles in a mesh-like pattern. Histological examination of skin biopsy showed sclerosis and thrombosis of blood vessels and von Kossa stains were positive for calcium deposits, confirming the diagnosis of calciphylaxis.
