Calciphylaxis

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  • Calciphylaxis

Etiology

  • Uncommon process of skin necrosis and ulcers
  • Associated w/calcification of small & medium sized arteries

Risk Factors

  • F > M
  • Chronic kidney failure w/patients typically on dialysis
  • Elevation in calcium, phosphorous and PTH can contribute
  • Diabetes, obesity

Symptoms

  • Initial skin finding of painful plaque, nodule, indurated area, other
  • Then progressive, severely painful skin ulcers and necrosis
  • Typically multiple
  • Most commonly thighs, abdomen, buttocks; but can affect other areas
  • Poorly healing wounds
  • Associated w/high mortality

Physical Exam Findings

  • Initial skin finding of painful plaque, nodule, indurated area, other
  • Then often multiple, very painful skin ulcers and necrosis, often w/black eschar
  • Can become infected, in which case associated inflammatory findings
  • May have palpable, calcified sub-cutaneous nodules

Tests

Links