Tumoral calcinosis: pearls, polemics, and alternative possibilities

Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome Sequentially Complicated by Acute Kidney Injury and Painful Skin Ulcers due to Calciphylaxis

Calciphylaxis is rare cutaneous manifestation associated with painful skin ulceration and necrosis. It primarily occurs in patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease. In this report, we would like to show our experience with a male patient presenting with minimal change nephrotic syndrome that was sequentially complicated by acute kidney injury and painful ulcerative cutaneous lesions due to calciphylaxis. There seemed to be several contributing factors, including a disturbance of the patient's mineral metabolism and the systemic use of glucocorticoids and warfarin. Various concerns regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic conundrums that were encountered in the present case are also discussed.

Tumoral calcinosis mimicking recurrent osteosarcoma

We report a case of a tumoral calcinosis mimicking the appearance of recurrent osteosarcoma of the left femur and tibia in a 29-year-old woman with a history of osteosarcoma and chronic renal failure. Both processes can appear radiographically and histologically similar. Due to loosening of the orthopedic hardware, our patient underwent surgical revision and biopsy. We review the imaging appearances of both entities as well as the underlying mechanism of tumoral calcinosis secondary to renal disease. We also discuss how PET and CT imaging can aid in differentiation of these processes and possibly prevent surgical biopsy in other cases.

Infantile tumoral calcinosis of the cervical spine presenting as torticollis

The computed tomography (CT) and MRI findings of infantile tumoral calcinosis and the utility of image-guided biopsy are demonstrated. A 5-month old presented with torticollis and a calcified cervical spinal mass. The radiologic appearance suggested a malignant neoplasm, prompting CT-guided biopsy, which diagnosed tumoral calcinosis. We hope to increase awareness of this entity and describe image-guided biopsy as a way to avoid morbidity associated with open biopsy.

From variome to phenome: Pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of ectopic mineralization disorders

Ectopic mineralization - inappropriate biomineralization in soft tissues - is a frequent finding in physiological aging processes and several common disorders, which can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Further, pathologic mineralization is seen in several rare genetic disorders, which often present life-threatening phenotypes. These disorders are classified based on the mechanisms through which the mineralization occurs: metastatic or dystrophic calcification or ectopic ossification. Underlying mechanisms have been extensively studied, which resulted in several hypotheses regarding the etiology of mineralization in the extracellular matrix of soft tissue. These hypotheses include intracellular and extracellular mechanisms, such as the formation of matrix vesicles, aberrant osteogenic and chondrogenic signaling, apoptosis and oxidative stress. Though coherence between the different findings is not always clear, current insights have led to improvement of the diagnosis and management of ectopic mineralization patients, thus translating pathogenetic knowledge (variome) to the phenotype (phenome). In this review, we will focus on the clinical presentation, pathogenesis and management of primary genetic soft tissue mineralization disorders. As examples of dystrophic calcification disorders Pseudoxanthoma elasticum, Generalized arterial calcification of infancy, Keutel syndrome, Idiopathic basal ganglia calcification and Arterial calcification due to CD73 (NT5E) deficiency will be discussed. Hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis will be reviewed as an example of mineralization disorders caused by metastatic calcification.

Increased uptake on99mTc bone scintigraphy in a case of tumoral calcinosis in a child

Tumoral calcinosis is an idiopathic condition resulting in the periarticular deposition of calcium crystals and salts in soft tissues. It is rare in children, and even rarer in idiopathic form. We present a case of a 2-year-old female with tumoral calcinosis in the supraclavicular region, and, in particular, focus on the pertinent radiological findings with radiography, MRI and bone scintigraphy.

Human Preosteoblastic Cell Culture from a Patient with Severe Tumoral Calcinosis-Hyperphosphatemia Due to a New GALNT3 Gene Mutation: Study of In Vitro Mineralization

Human disorders of phosphate (Pi) handling and skeletal mineralization represent a group of rare bone diseases. One of these disease is tumoral calcinosis (TC). In this study, we present the case of a patient with TC with a new GALNT3 gene mutation. We also performed functional studies using an in vitro cellular model. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood collected from a teenage Caucasian girl affected by TC, and from her parents. A higher capability to form mineralization nodules in vitro was found in human preosteoblastic cells of mutant when compared to wild-type controls. We found a novel homozygous inactivating splice site mutation in intron I (c.516-2a>g). A higher capability to form mineralization nodules in vitro was found in the mutant cells in human preosteoblastic cells when compared to wild-type controls. Understanding the functional significance and molecular physiology of this novel mutation will help to define the role of FGF23 in the control of Pi homeostasis in normal and in pathological conditions.

Surgical treatment of extensive tumoral calcinosis associated with systemic sclerosis

Extensive tumoral calcinosis affecting a large joint is uncommon in patients with systemic sclerosis. We report the case of a 52-year-old female patient referred for a growing calcified mass in the shoulder. She was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease and progressive systemic sclerosis. Although the pain and disability associated with the affected joint was not severe, the patient underwent surgical excision because the mass continued to grow and was likely to produce shoulder dysfunction and skin ulceration. The patient appeared well 10 months after surgery with no signs of recurrence. This report highlights the timing and indication of surgical excision in similar cases.

Calcified amorphous tumor in the left atrium in a patient on long-term peritoneal dialysis

A 66-year-old woman with an 11-year history of peritoneal dialysis (PD) for diabetic nephropathy and renal failure exhibited a movable tumor in the left atrium on echocardiography. Tumor resection was performed due to the difficulty in diagnosing the tumor and the future risk of heart failure and embolization. Light microscopy showed a calcified amorphous tumor (CAT), a rare intracardiac mass characterized by the presence of a pedicle and diffuse calcification. An increased calcium-phosphate product level was suspected as an etiology, although degeneration, inflammation and/or mineral balance disorders may also induce the development of CAT. We herein report the first known case of CAT in a PD patient.

Familial tumoral calcinosis

INTRODUCTION

Tumoral calcinosis is a rare condition characterised by progressive, ectopic, periarticular deposits of calcium. These tumour-like growths often infiltrate muscle and tendon, usually presenting as multiple masses or as a painless, solitary mass. Our case report will focus on familial tumoral calcinosis, an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder generally observed in patients within the first two decades of life.

CASE PRESENTATION

Our case report introduces two Sudanese siblings from consanguineous parents who presented with simultaneous recurrent multiple soft tissue swellings.

CONCLUSION

The cases discussed highlight the main features of familial tumoral calcinosis and indicate the need for improved clinical guidance on the investigations, treatment and genetic screening of familial tumoral calcinosis.

Ocular involvement in tumoral calcinosis

We report a 32-year-old male who presented with blurring of vision in the right eye since 1.5 years. He had history of swelling over the extensor surfaces of large joints which were migratory in nature. Few of them spontaneously subsided following suppuration of chalky white discharges except over the gluteal region. Ophthalmological examination revealed visual acuity of counting fingers (CF) at 1 m in the right eye and perilimbal conjunctival calcific deposits and retinal angiod streaks in both eyes. There was choroidal neovascular membrane with subretinal hemorrhage in right eye, confirmed by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). B scan ultrasonography and simultaneous vector A scan detected calcification of the subretinal neovascular membrane and the adjoining sclera.

Review of tumoral calcinosis: A rare clinico-pathological entity

Tumoral calcinosis (TC) has long been a controversial clinico-pathological entity. Its pathogenesis and genetic background have been gradually unravelled since its first description in 1943. According to the presence or absence of an underlying calcifying disease process, TC has been divided into primary and secondary varieties. Two subtypes of the primary variety exist; a hyper-phosphatemic type with familial basis represented by mutations in GalNAc transferase 3 gene (GALNT3), KLOTHO or Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) genes, and a normo-phosphatemic type with growing evidence of underlying familial base represented by mutation in SAMD9 gene. The secondary variety is mainly associated with chronic renal failure and the resulting secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Diagnosis of TC relies on typical radiographic features (on plain radiographs and computed tomography) and the biochemical profile. Magnetic resonance imaging can be done in difficult cases, and scintigraphy reflects the disease activity. Treatment is mainly surgical for the primary variety; however, a stage-oriented conservative approach using phosphate binders, phosphate restricted diets and acetazolamide should be considered before the surgical approach is pursued due to the high rate of recurrences and complications after surgical intervention. Medical treatment is the mainstay for treatment of the secondary variety, with failure warranting subtotal or total parathyroidectomy. Surgical intervention in these patients should be kept as a last resort.

Outside the inside: a review of soft-tissue abnormalities seen on thoracoabdominal computed tomography

In this review, we illustrate the computed tomographic features of thoracoabdominal soft-tissue abnormalities, which may be easily overlooked and often can provide important information regarding systemic processes. Examples include necrotizing fasciitis, heterotopic ossification, fat necrosis, benign and malignant neoplasms, endometriosis, and collagen vascular disease as well as systemic and congenital pathology.

Synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder: imaging findings

Synovial chondromatosis is a benign condition characterized by synovial proliferation and metaplasia, with development of cartilaginous or osteocartilaginous nodules within a joint, bursa or tendon sheath. In the shoulder, synovial osteochondromatosis may occur within the glenohumeral joint and its recesses (including the tendon sheath of the biceps long head), and in the subacromial-deltoid bursa. Such condition can be identified either by radiography, ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging, showing typical features according to each method. Radiography commonly shows ring-shaped calcified cartilages and periarticular soft tissues swelling with erosion of joint margins. Ultrasonography demonstrates hypoechogenic cartilaginous nodules with progressive increase in echogenicity as they become calcified, with development of posterior acoustic shadow in case of ossification. Besides identifying cartilaginous nodules, magnetic resonance imaging can also demonstrate the degree of synovial proliferation. The present study is aimed at describing the imaging findings of this entity in the shoulder.

Two foci of FDG-avid secondary tumoral calcinosis incidentally noted in a patient with small-cell lung carcinoma after PET/CT

This case report describes intense F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake within two foci of secondary tumoral calcinosis, incidentally noted during the workup of small-cell lung cancer. The patient had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and secondary hyperparathyroidism as a result of IgA nephropathy.

Sodium thiosulphate treatment of uraemic tumoral calcinosis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the efficacy of sodium thiosulphate (STS) in tumoral calcinosis (TC).

METHODS

The methodology involved the reporting of four retrospective case reports of TC complicating end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

RESULTS

We investigated STS treatment in four patients (two men; ages 46-70 years) with TC. ESRD was secondary to nephronophthisis (n = 1), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (n = 1), diabetic nephropathy (n = 1), and thrombotic microangiopathy (n = 1). TC developed 3-28 years after dialysis began and resulted in articular pain (n = 4) and stiffness (n = 1). It involved shoulders and hips and was diffuse in one patient. Several treatments were tried without success. STS 12.5-25 g was given intravenously after each dialysis session for 11-14 months. Pain and stiffness rapidly disappeared and TC showed partial or total regression. Side effects during infusion included increased blood pressure (n = 1), nausea (n = 1) and vomiting (n = 1). TC did not recur after treatment discontinuation with follow-up of 1.5-12 years.

CONCLUSION

STS showed promising efficacy in this short series of TC. Further studies are warranted.

Mass-like and extensive secondary tumoral calcinosis in the neck and body of a patient on peritoneal dialysis

We present a case of extensive tumoral calcinosis in a 42-year-old female with end-stage renal disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism on peritoneal dialysis. Periarticular calcified masses demonstrating fluid-calcium levels on computed tomography and containing chalky amorphous calcified material in the absence of neoplastic cells are the salient features of tumoral calcinosis. Although renal failure is the most common cause of secondary tumoral calcinosis, there are few reported cases of this condition occurring in patients on peritoneal dialysis. This case is also unusual due to the widespread and bulky nature of the disease with involvement of the neck and its quick onset and progression.

Various musculoskeletal manifestations of chronic renal insufficiency

Musculoskeletal manifestations in chronic renal insufficiency are caused by complex bone metabolism alterations, now described under the umbrella term of chronic kidney disease mineral- and bone-related disorder (CKD-MBD), as well as iatrogenic processes related to renal replacement treatment. Radiological imaging remains the mainstay of disease assessment. This review aims to illustrate the radiological features of CKD-MBD, such as secondary hyperparathyroidism, osteomalacia, adynamic bone disease, soft-tissue calcifications; as well as features associated with renal replacement therapy, such as aluminium toxicity, secondary amyloidosis, destructive spondyloarthropathy, haemodialysis-related erosive arthropathy, tendon rupture, osteonecrosis, and infection.

Calcific myonecrosis of the leg treated by debridement and limited access dressing

Calcific myonecrosis is a rare late complication of limb trauma characterized by liquefaction and dystrophic calcification of muscles in the single compartment, usually in the leg. This occurs many years after the trauma and is probably due to chronic compartment syndrome. We report 2 cases of calcific myonecrosis involving the anterior compartment of the leg that presented to us in an advanced stage of multiple sinuses discharging calcific material. Incision and drainage had been attempted at a local hospital prior to presentation at our hospital resulting in a non healing wound. Both patients had a history of antecedent trauma to the leg a few years ago. Patients were treated by thorough debridement of the involved muscles in the anterior compartment. Limited access dressing (LAD) was used to manage the dead space left after debridement. After application of the LAD, the wound was covered with split skin grafting. In both patients, healing of the cavity following debridement was facilitated by application of limited access dressing. While the wound completely healed, the disability due to extensive debridement of anterior compartment of the leg persisted. At the latest follow-up, the patients were asymptomatic without any recurrence. Thorough debridement of the compartment involved and application of LAD may be another option of treating calcific myonecrosis of the leg, which was initially considered a "do not touch" lesion. Morbidity due to surgery and need of repeated surgeries for recurrences should be kept in mind and regular follow-up should be considered.

[Calcific myonecrosis of the leg]

Calcific myonecrosis is a rare post-traumatic sequela almost exclusively located in the lower extremity, which can be mistaken for an aggressive primary neoplasm. This lesion, initially described by Gallei and Thompson in 1960, is characterized by the formation of a calcified mass that appears decades after trauma. The pathophysiologic mechanism is not fully understood, although the lesion most likely results from post-traumatic ischemia and it may be associated with a common peroneal nerve injury. The typical radiographic image is a fusiform soft tissue mass with linear calcifications. The treatment of choice is conservative in asymptomatic patients because the surgical treatment has a high complication rate. We report four cases of calcific myonecrosis treated surgically in our hospital. Three of the cases had an infection as a complication that required subsequent debridement and special therapies to achieve the resolution of the cases.

Gluteal tumoral calcinosis

Tumoral calcinosis is an extremely rare benign condition that is characterised by deposits of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in periarticular soft tissues. Although it is mainly located around large joints such as the hips, shoulders and elbows, it may also involve the small joints of hand and wrist. There are multiple types of tumoral calcinosis with divergent clinical characteristics but the exact cause is still unknown. We present a literature review to evaluate the location, clinical features, treatment options and results of surgical excision in this condition. Wide resection appears to lead to a good clinical outcome and a low incidence of local relapse.

Cervical tumoral calcinosis with secondary hyperparathyroidism in a chronic hemodialysis patient

Tumoral calcinosis is an uncommon and severe complication of chronic renal failure. It is generally associated with the presence of a high-serum calcium-and-phosphorus product. We report here a case of a patient on maintenance hemodialysis who presented with progressively increasing, solitary, tumor-like swelling over the nape of the neck. A 50-year-old female on thrice weekly maintenance hemodialysis for the last 3 years presented with a small swelling over the nape of the neck that had been progressively increasing over the last 1 year to cricket ball size. The patient was investigated and diagnosed as having tumoral calcinosis. The metastatic calcification occurring in the patient was most likely related to high calcium × phosphate product with coexistent secondary hyperparathyroidism possibly aggravated by vitamin D therapy. The patient was treated with withdrawal of vitamin D therapy, strict control of serum phosphate levels with noncalcemic phosphate binders, and subtotal parathyroidectomy. The neck swelling started decreasing in size after 2 months of parathyroidectomy and there was marked clinical improvement with drop in serum parathormone levels, over a period of 6 months. After 2 years of parathyroidectomy, the neck swelling again started increasing in size with increase in serum parathormone levels. The patient was treated with cinacalcet and the neck swelling gradually decreased in size along with control of serum parathormone and phosphate levels.

Calcinosis cutis: report of 4 cases

Calcinosis cutis is a condition of accumulation of calcium salts within the dermis. We are presenting four cases of calcinosis cutis, with different clinical presentations, occurring in healthy individuals, with normal serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Histologically, all cases showed similar morphology, the lesions were composed of large and small deposits of calcium. Foreign-body giant cell reaction was seen in one case. Another case had intact and ruptured epidermal cysts and calcification within the cyst.

Huge recurrent tumoral calcinosis needing extensive excision and reconstruction: report of a rare case and brief literature review

Tumoral calcinosis, a rare benign clinical condition resembling a neoplasm, is characterized by calcium deposits, usually located in the soft tissues around the large joints. It can be primary or secondary to renal failure and hyperparathyroidism. This report describes an unusual case of recurrent tumoral calcinosis presenting as a huge mass infiltrating the skin and muscles of the lumbosacral area. The patient underwent wide excision and reconstruction with bilateral V-Y advancement gluteal fasciocutaneous flaps and at this writing remains disease free 4 years postoperatively. A concise review of the pertinent literature focusing on the diagnosis, treatment options, and preventive measures also is reported.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article.

Digital calcinosis circumscripta: case series and review of the literature

A series of three paediatric cases of digital calcinosis circumscripta is presented. Digital calcinosis circumscripta is an unusual form of calcinosis circumscripta occurring specifically in the digits. The condition is rare among the paediatric population. The cases serve to clarify the clinical and radiographic features of the condition and to discuss suggested treatment options.

Myositis ossificans imaging: keys to successful diagnosis

Myositis ossificans (MO) is an inflammatory pseudotumor of the muscle that may be mistaken clinically and even histologically for a malignant soft tissue tumor. The aim of this article is to report the imaging characteristics of MO, the emphasis being on the early diagnostic clues. USG can be used at an early stage to reveal the ‘zone phenomenon,’ which is highly suggestive of MO. A short course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy may be an efficient treatment for early MO.

A mouse with an N-Ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) Induced Trp589Arg Galnt3 mutation represents a model for hyperphosphataemic familial tumoural calcinosis

Mutations of UDP-N-acetyl-alpha-D-galactosamine polypeptide N-acetyl galactosaminyl transferase 3 (GALNT3) result in familial tumoural calcinosis (FTC) and the hyperostosis-hyperphosphataemia syndrome (HHS), which are autosomal recessive disorders characterised by soft-tissue calcification and hyperphosphataemia. To facilitate in vivo studies of these heritable disorders of phosphate homeostasis, we embarked on establishing a mouse model by assessing progeny of mice treated with the chemical mutagen N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU), and identified a mutant mouse, TCAL, with autosomal recessive inheritance of ectopic calcification, which involved multiple tissues, and hyperphosphataemia; the phenotype was designated TCAL and the locus, Tcal. TCAL males were infertile with loss of Sertoli cells and spermatozoa, and increased testicular apoptosis. Genetic mapping localized Tcal to chromosome 2 (62.64-71.11 Mb) which contained the Galnt3. DNA sequence analysis identified a Galnt3 missense mutation (Trp589Arg) in TCAL mice. Transient transfection of wild-type and mutant Galnt3-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) constructs in COS-7 cells revealed endoplasmic reticulum retention of the Trp589Arg mutant and Western blot analysis of kidney homogenates demonstrated defective glycosylation of Galnt3 in Tcal/Tcal mice. Tcal/Tcal mice had normal plasma calcium and parathyroid hormone concentrations; decreased alkaline phosphatase activity and intact Fgf23 concentrations; and elevation of circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that Tcal/Tcal mice had increased expression of Galnt3 and Fgf23 in bone, but that renal expression of Klotho, 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (Cyp27b1), and the sodium-phosphate co-transporters type-IIa and -IIc was similar to that in wild-type mice. Thus, TCAL mice have the phenotypic features of FTC and HHS, and provide a model for these disorders of phosphate metabolism.

Tumoral calcinosis: a dental literature review and case report

Tumoral calcinosis (TC) is a rare familial disease characterized by abnormal peri-articular calcification in affected joints, without any associated renal, metabolic or collagen vascular disease. It is characterized by usual hyperphosphataemia with normal serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase values. There are only a few reported cases ofTC patients with dental findings. This article reviews the dental literature and describes progressive gingival, alveolar and mandibular tori enlargement in a 41-year-old female from Zimbabwe with tumoral calcinosis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Tumoral calcinosis is a rare disorder of mineral metabolism with oral manifestations.

Uremic tumoral calcinosis causing atlantoaxial subluxation and spinal cord compression in a patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Uremic tumoral calcinosis (UTC) is a form of metastatic tissue calcification unique to dialysis patients, manifesting with amorphous and cystic masses containing calcium phosphate deposits in periarticular soft tissue. An involvement of the cervical spine with bone destruction is extremely rare in UTC. We describe a 44-year-old uremic female on long-term continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis who developed UTC in the peri-odontoid region with consequent atlantoaxial subluxation and spinal cord compression, featuring severe neck soreness, headache, and hypertension. Surgical removal of the destructive cervical spine lesion, showing typical tumoral calcinosis on histology, completely resolved the clinical symptoms. To date, the patient maintains uneventful postoperative course with tight control of serum phosphorus, calcium, and secondary hyperparathyroidism by medical treatment. We also review other reported unusual cases of UTC involving the cervical spine and discuss the differential diagnosis of destructive spinal lesions in uremic patients, such as UTC, dialysis-related amyloidosis, and brown tumors.

Tumoral calcinosis--a pathogenetic overview: a histological and ultrastructural study with a report of two new cases, one in infancy

Tumoral calcinosis occurs as a well-defined pathologic entity in 3 heterologous groups of diseases--hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis, normophosphatemic tumoral calcinosis, and secondary tumoral calcinosis. The histological lesion is stereotypic developing from the concurrence of a juxta-articular injury with an elevated calcium-phosphorus product. The reparative response to injury is histiocytic featuring synovial metaplasia forming bursa-like structures that create the characteristic compartmentalization of the lesion. Histiocytic-derived osteoclastogenesis occurs as a response to the calcifying process initiated in the mitochondria of necrotic histiocytes forming the bursa-like structures. These calcifications, propelled by a gamut of conditions elevating serum phosphorus, facilitate the further nucleation of hydroxyapatite in mitochondria, matrical lipidic debris located in the cytoplasm and lysosomes of osteoclasts and in the locular contents, and on collagen and other extracellular matrix materials. The lesions enlarge because of new locule formation and failure to reduce the calcified burden by the compartment lining histiocytes and dysmorphic osteoclasts that are unable to solubilize the hydroxyapatite. The histological landmarks of tumoral calcinosis may be lost when its development becomes quiescent. The classic calcifying classifications are inadequate for tumoral calcinosis requiring creation of a new category for this entity.

Calcific myonecrosis: a two-patient case series

Calcific myonecrosis is a rare entity with only 57 cases reported in the English literature to date. It is a late complication of compartment syndrome of the limb and results in characteristic muscle necrosis with central liquefaction and peripheral calcification. This series presents a further two cases and consolidates the diagnostic features and treatment modalities described in the literature.

Massive, painful tumoral calcinosis in a long-term hemodialysis patient

In chronic dialysis patients, ectopic, extraosseous calcifications can cause significant morbidity. Uremic tumoral calcinosis is an uncommon and severe complication of dialysis therapy. It is defined as deposition of dense nodular calcium-containing masses surrounding the large joints of the body, generally associated with the presence of high serum calcium-and-phosphorus product. We describe a 69-year-old woman submitted to long-term chronic hemodialysis that developed painful, bilateral hip tumors. Radiographic investigation showed extensive periarticular calcifications, and a bone biopsy was suggestive of adynamic bone disease and contained substantial amounts of aluminum. The lesions were surgically excised, and the histological analysis demonstrated amorphous, calcified material associated with densely collagenized connective tissue.

Tumoral calcinosis of the foot: a radiologic case study

Tumoral calcinosis is a disorder characterized by deposits of calcium phosphate in the subcutaneous tissues near large joints. While often resembling a neoplasm, the soft tissue deposits of tumoral calcinosis are benign in nature. The deposits can, however, cause significant morbidity to patients due to tissue pressure or impingement. The focus of this case report will include the presentation, radiographic examinations, clinical course, and treatment of a 90-year-old female patient presenting for evaluation of a painful plantar right foot soft tissue mass associated with chronic renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Tumoral calcinosis: sonographic sedimentation sign

We present the sonographic findings of tumoral calcinosis in two patients compared with conventional radiography, CT, and MRI. Sonography in both patients demonstrated fluid-sedimentation levels, with more echogenic debris layering dependently. This appearance has been referred to as the "sedimentation sign" on conventional radiography and results from dependent layering of hydroxyapatite crystals within cystic spaces of the lesion. There are only three reported cases in the world literature of sonographic findings in patients with tumoral calcinosis. We describe the first two cases of sonography demonstrating the "sedimentation sign," which may aid in the diagnosis of tumoral calcinosis.

Acral post-traumatic tumoral calcinosis in pregnancy: a case report

Introduction

Tumoral calcinosis is an uncommon disorder characterized by the development of calcified masses within the peri-articular soft tissues of large joints, but rarely occurs within the hand.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 31-year-old pregnant Indian woman with a three-month history of painful swelling within the tip of her right middle finger following a superficial laceration. She was otherwise well and had normal serum calcium and phosphate levels. Plain radiography demonstrated a dense, lobulated cluster of calcified nodules within the soft tissues of the volar pulp space, consistent with a diagnosis of tumoral calcinosis. This diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of the histopathological examination following surgical excision.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, we present the only reported case of acral tumoral calcinosis within the finger, and the first description of its occurrence during pregnancy. We review the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of tumoral calcinosis.

Uremic tumoral calcinosis in patients on peritoneal dialysis: clinical, radiologic, and laboratory features

BACKGROUND

Uremic tumoral calcinosis (UTC) has been analyzed in uremic patients on hemodialysis, but little is known about UTC in peritoneal dialysis (PD). In this study, we aimed to characterize UTC in uremic patients on PD.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed uremic patients on PD who developed UTC over a 9-year period. Clinical, radiologic, and laboratory features; treatments; and outcomes in those patients were assessed. One of the patients (case 7) is described as a case example.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 7 patients with a mean age of 41 years. Mean time from PD to UTC was 45.3 months. All patients were anuric but adequately dialyzed. Cardinal symptoms were local tenderness and limited range of joint motion. Lesions were mostly multifocal (n=6) and predominantly involved shoulders, hands, feet, hips, and wrists. Metatarsophalangeal joint UTC was misdiagnosed as tophaceous gout in 2 patients. Main laboratory findings were hyperphosphatemia (7.9 ± 0.8 mg/dL), high Ca×P product [>65 mg(2)/dL(2) (range: 81.1 ± 11.5 mg(2)/dL(2))], secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) with various levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH: 592.2 ± 315.2 pg/mL; <250 pg/mL in 2 patients). Medical treatments for UTC included P restriction, non-Ca-based phosphate binders, and adequate dialysis with low-Ca dialysate, but all treatments were ineffective. Parathyroidectomy (n=3) can partially ameliorate UTC, but only 1 patient (case 7), who had extremely high iPTH (1085 pg/mL), manifested hungry bone syndrome (HBS) and had remarkable resolution of UTC. By contrast, in patients who underwent renal transplantation (n=3), UTC completely resolved by about 1 year after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Uremic tumoral calcinosis develops in anuric PD patients with uncontrolled hyperphosphatemia; it is usually multifocal, occurring around the weight-bearing joints or overused smaller joints. Aggressive medical therapy alone is ineffective, and parathyroidectomy appears to be unsatisfactory except in the presence of severe SHPT with postoperative HBS.

Hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis: a 10-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of primary hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis (TC) and its long-term 10-year follow-up.

PATIENT

The patient was an 18-year-old male, who had been diagnosed with TC at the age of 8 years. In spite of nine surgeries for tumoral resection and medical treatments (i.e., aluminum hydroxide, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) the lesions continued to progress. Physical examination showed calcified masses on shoulders, hip, elbows and right foot. PTH, calcitonin, 25(OH) vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D, renal and liver function, electrolytes, alkaline phosphatase, calcium and magnesium were normal. Serum phosphorus was elevated. FGF-23 (C-terminal): 1960 RU/mL (<180) Radiological and histological studies were compatible with TC.

CONCLUSION

This long-term follow-up illustrates the morbidity and difficulty in treating these patients due to the progressive and recurrent nature of the calcified masses, for which there is no effective treatment as yet. The discovery of FGF-23 as the factor responsible for the hyperphosphatemic type of TC paves the way for forthcoming therapies.

Tumoral calcinosis associated with hypercalcemia in a patient with chronic renal failure

A 56-year-old male with chronic renal failure was admitted to the hospital because of progressive hip pain, appetite loss, general fatigue, and hypercalcemia. Slight pain had developed in the left hip 3 months before the initiation of hemodialysis, which subsequently developed into hyperalgesia. The patient was suspected to have sarcoidosis based on the elevated serum angiotensin-converting enzyme and lysozyme levels, and the ocular finding characterized by punched out chorioretinal scarring, although this could not be confirmed by histological evaluations. There was an abnormal uptake of gallium in the dependent portion of the tumoral calcinosis, which could have suggested either the presence of granulomatous sarcoid tissue within the calcified mass or active calcification associated with an inflammatory reaction. Elevated serum concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, which should be implicated in the development of hypercalcemia, promptly decreased after the administration of steroids. Steroid administration subsequently led to a decrease in the serum calcium and relief of the hip pain. This was a rare case of sarcoidosis associated with symptomatic tumoral calcinosis and hypercalcemia. The diagnostic significance of a gallium scan in this case will also be discussed.

Soft-Tissue Mineralization of Bullfrog Larvae (Rana Catesbeiana) at a Wastewater Treatment Facility

Bullfrog tadpoles (Rana catesbeiana) from a wastewater treatment facility were identified with severe lesions consisting of large, up to 1-cm in diameter, mineralized nodules protruding from the tail or gular region. Sectioning of formalin-fixed specimens revealed more extensive mineralization involving the vertebrae or muscles of the head and tail. Nodules examined microscopically were not associated with parasitic or infectious agents. Large nodules consisted of mineralized aggregates surrounded by a margin of granulomatous inflammation. Individual connective-tissue fibers and muscle cells were mineralized at some foci. The nodules consisted entirely of calcium phosphate, and the lesions appeared to be novel. Total serumcalcium concentrations of tadpoles and calcium concentrations in water samples did not differ significantly with increasing distance from the discharge site. Affected tadpoles had elevated cholecalciferol (25-OH-vitamin D3) levels. Effluent from this wastewater treatment facility is divided into 3 streams, each passing through a separate series of wetlands allowing for replicated evaluation of tadpoles with increasing distance from the proximate inputs of treated wastewater. The prevalence of lesions was correlated with proximity of cells to the initial wastewater discharge site, and 28.5% of bullfrog larvae in the first cells had lesions. None were affected in the fifth cells. Southern leopard frog larvae (Rana sphenocephala), the only other species affected, had a much lower prevalence of lesions (<1%) than bullfrog tadpoles and were only affected in the first cells. To date, the primary cause of elevated cholecalciferol is undetermined, but it appears to be remediated by passage of water through the wetlands.