Net-like pattern of calcification on plain soft-tissue radiographs in patients with calciphylaxis

Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy in Hemodialysis Patients: A Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA), or calciphylaxis, is a rare but life-threatening vascular disorder predominantly affecting patients with end-stage renal disease ongoing hemodialysis. It is characterized by systemic calcification and thrombosis of small arterioles, leading to painful skin necrosis and a high risk of morbidity and mortality. This study presents two cases of hemodialysis patients diagnosed with CUA, highlighting key clinical features, risk factors, and therapeutic challenges. Both patients presented classic predisposing factors, including calcium-phosphorus imbalance, secondary/tertiary hyperparathyroidism, and systemic inflammation. Despite early intervention with phosphate binders, wound care, and dialysis modifications, outcomes varied, reflecting the complexity of disease management. A literature review was conducted to analyze current diagnostic approaches and evolving treatment modalities, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis, multidisciplinary management, and efficient therapeutic strategies. Given the lack of standardized treatment protocols, further research is essential to improve patient outcomes and establish evidence-based guidelines for CUA management in hemodialysis patients.

Penile Calciphylaxis Obscured by Phimosis in an End-Stage Renal Disease Patient: A Case Report

Penile calciphylaxis is a rare and severe complication primarily observed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing dialysis. A 50-year-old man presented with severe penile pain and phimosis. He had a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus for 10 years, complicated by ESRD and was awaiting a cadaveric kidney transplant. He was on cinacalcet therapy for tertiary hyperparathyroidism. The patient underwent circumcision at which discolouration and necrotic patches involving the glans penis were noted. The histological findings were consistent with calciphylaxis and suppurative inflammation. However, due to persistent severe pain and progressive gangrene, a partial penectomy was performed. This report demonstrates the importance of consideration of calciphylaxis in patients with ESRD when presenting with penile pain, even phimosis.

Early diagnosis strategy of calciphylaxis in dialysis patients

Calciphylaxis, a rapidly progressive and potentially life-threatening vascular calcification syndrome that clinically presents with persistently painful, ulcerative, or necrotizing skin lesions in multiple parts of the body, is predominantly observed in patients treated with dialysis. Early diagnosis of calciphylaxis is a key measure for reducing high disability and mortality. At present, there is no unified diagnostic standard for calciphylaxis, and there is a lack of effective early screening strategies. This paper summarized and discussed the diagnostic accuracy of calciphylaxis based on the latest research worldwide. We propose a modified strategy for the early diagnosis of calciphylaxis, which is suitable for dialysis patients to help clinicians better identify such disease and improve prognosis.

Clinical features and outcomes of calciphylaxis in Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease

AIM

Calciphylaxis is a rare disease, predominantly in chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Data from the Chinese population have been an invaluable resource for a better understanding of natural history, optimal treatments and outcomes of calciphylaxis.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in 51 Chinese patients diagnosed with calciphylaxis at Zhong Da Hospital affiliated to Southeast University from December 2015 to September 2020.

RESULTS

Between 2015 and 2020, 51 cases of calciphylaxis were registered in The China Calciphylaxis Registry (http://www.calciphylaxis.com.cn), which was developed by Zhong Da Hospital. The mean age of the cohort was 52.02 ± 14.09 years, and 37.3% were female. Forty-three patients (84.3%) were on haemodialysis, with a median dialysis vintage of 88 months. Eighteen patients (35.3%) had a resolution of calciphylaxis and 20 patients (39.2%) died. Patients in later stages had higher overall mortality than those in earlier stages. Delay from skin lesions onset to diagnosis and calciphylaxis-related infections were risk factors in both early and overall mortality. Additionally, dialysis vintage and infections were significant risk factors in calciphylaxis-specific mortality. Among therapeutic strategies, only the use of sodium thiosulfate (STS) ≥3 courses (14 injections) was significantly associated with decreased hazard of death in both early and overall mortality.

CONCLUSION

For Chinese patients with calciphylaxis, delay from skin lesions onset to diagnosis and infections secondary to wounds are risk factors for the prognosis of patients with calciphylaxis. Additionally, patients in earlier stages have better survival and early continuous use of STS is highly suggested.

Calciphylaxis and Kidney Disease: A Review

Calciphylaxis is a life-threatening complication most often associated with chronic kidney disease that occurs as a result of the deposition of calcium in dermal and adipose microvasculature. However, this condition may also be seen in patients with acute kidney injury. The high morbidity and mortality rates associated with calciphylaxis highlight the importance to correctly diagnose and treat this condition. However, calciphylaxis remains a diagnosis that may be clinically challenging to make. Here, we review the literature on uremic calciphylaxis with a focus on its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, advances in diagnostic tools, and treatment strategies. We also discuss the unique histopathological features of calciphylaxis and contrast it with those of other forms of general vessel calcification. This review emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary collaboration including nephrology, dermatology, and palliative care to ultimately provide the best possible care to patients with calciphylaxis.

[Uremic calciphylaxis]

Uremic calciphylaxis is a rare disease that affects patients with chronic end-stage renal disease. It is a pathology of the microvessels of the dermis and hypodermis which are calcified and whose thrombosis leads to skin necrosis. Calciphylaxis lesions can be distal and axial. They lead to pain, infection and are associated with denutrition and in high mortality rate (40-80% at 1 year). This general review describes the clinical and para-clinical presentations of calciphylaxis. It summarizes the current knowledge on its pathogenesis and the therapeutical options that can be proposed to improve the management and attempt to reduce the mortality of patients with uremic calciphylaxis.

Calciphylaxis: Part I. Diagnosis and pathology

Calciphylaxis is an uncommon but devastating disorder characterized by vascular calcification and subsequent cutaneous tissue necrosis. This results in exquisitely painful and slow healing wounds that portend exceptionally high morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of this condition can be complicated because there are no conclusive serologic, radiographic or visual signs that this disease is manifesting. The differential of tissue necrosis is broad, and identifying calciphylaxis requires an adroit understanding of the risk factors and physical signs that should raise suspicion of this condition. Reviews on this subject are uncommon and lack directed commentary from disease experts on the best diagnostic approach for patients suffering from this disease. The goal of this article is to update practicing dermatologists on the current standard of care for calciphylaxis.

Iatrogenic calcinosis cutis in 9-month-old baby boy: a case report

Background

Calcinosis cutis is a rare condition, characterized by an accumulation of calcium salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. There are several types of this condition, including dystrophic, metastatic, idiopathic, calciphylaxis, and iatrogenic calcinosis cutis. The type related to our case is iatrogenic calcinosis cutis, and one its possible causes is calcium intravenous infusion. Physicians should be aware of this condition when giving calcium infusion.

Case presentation

Here we report the case of a 9-month-old Arabic - Saudi baby boy, who presented with abnormal movement for 1 day. Upon further investigation, his abnormal movement was found to be a manifestation of hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency. He was treated with intravenous calcium gluconate. Later, he had a treatment-related complication of intravenous calcium at the site of venipuncture causing swelling, which was initially soft but progressed to hard, over the left hand. Eventually, he was diagnosed with a case of iatrogenic calcinosis cutis due to intravenous calcium treatment.

Conclusion

There are multiple differential diagnoses of calcinosis cutis, as it resembles many other conditions. Careful history-taking, physical examination, and other investigations, such as radiological investigations, will aid in reaching a more accurate diagnosis and, thus, early treatment and intervention. Frequently checking the intravenous line and diluting the intravenous calcium may help reduce the occurrence of iatrogenic calcinosis cutis.

Success of small-dose fractionated sodium thiosulfate in the treatment of calciphylaxis in a peritoneal dialysis patient

BACKGROUND

Calciphylaxis, or calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA), is a rare, fatal disorder of microvascular calcification and thrombosis that typically affects patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving long-term dialysis. Fewer reports describe calciphylaxis in peritoneal dialysis patients than hemodialysis patients as per a literature review. To date, there are no clear guidelines for CUA diagnosis and treatment. While sodium thiosulfate (STS) has been increasingly used for treatment in recent years, there have also been reports of severe side effects. There is no uniform standard for its usage and dosage, especially for peritoneal dialysis patients.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of a 40-year-old Chinese male patient with ESRD on peritoneal dialysis who developed calciphylaxis with severe painful cutaneous ulcers on the fingers and toes that were managed successfully for 6 months with comprehensive treatment composed mainly of small-dose fractionated sodium thiosulfate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience suggests that the treatment of calciphylaxis requires timely and multi-angle intervention. Treatment with small-dose fractionated sodium thiosulfate has proven effective and tolerated in this patient.

Radiomics-based method for diagnosis of calciphylaxis in patients with chronic kidney disease using computed tomography

Calciphylaxis is a rare, life-threatening condition that affects patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing dialysis. Skin biopsy as the gold standard causes ulceration, bleeding, or infection. This study aimed to develop radiomic methods using CT as a noninvasive method for calciphylaxis diagnosis. The confirmed calciphylaxis patients (Group I), pathologically confirmed non-calciphylaxis patients (Group II), and CKD patients (Group III) from October 1, 2017, to November 30, 2019, were enrolled. Training: 70% of patients of Group I and all Group III. Test: 30% of patients of Group I and all Group II. ROI was set at the skin lesion including the soft tissue. First-order and texture features were extracted from each lesion unit. CT-based radiomic models were on the basis of logistic regression (LR) and support vector machine (SVM). Additionally, model performance was evaluated in the test dataset and compared with the plain radiography and bone scintigraphy. In total, 124 lesions and 38 lesions were identified in training and test datasets. Radiomic models were effective in detecting calciphylaxis in patients with CKD, with AUCs of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.924-0.953) and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.921-0.953) (SVM and LR) in test. The SVM model manifested a sensitivity and specificity of 0.89 and 0.8, and 0.78 and 0.90, at high-sensitivity and high-specificity operating points, respectively. Similar performance was found in the LR model. Radiomic models were more effective than plain radiography and bone scintigraphy (Delong test, P<0.05). Verification studies showed the features which manifested the real variability of lesions. In this research, it primarily developed a radiomic method for noninvasive detection of calciphylaxis in patients with CKD. Through this method, calciphylaxis can be detected when invasive procedures are not feasible.

Isolated Penile Calciphylaxis Diagnosed by Ultrasound Imaging in a New Dialysis Patient: A Case Report

RATIONALE

The recognition of calciphylaxis often eludes practitioners because of its multiple ambiguous presentations. It classically targets areas of the body dense with adipose tissue. A heightened suspicion for the disorder is therefore required in the case of penile calciphylaxis, given its unconventional location. The diagnosis of calciphylaxis is also challenging as the gold standard for diagnosis is biopsy which can often yield equivocal results. Unfortunately, in penile calciphylaxis, the utility of biopsies is further debated due to their potential to precipitate new lesions and their decreased sensitivity due to the limited depth of tissue that can be sampled. For these reasons, it is important that practitioners recognize other accessible and accurate investigative tools which can aid in their diagnosis.

PRESENTING CONCERNS OF THE PATIENT

We present the case of a 49-year-old man who presented to the emergency room with penile pain in the context of known chronic kidney disease secondary to diabetic nephropathy. The pain had been present for about a week, was exquisitely tender, and was initially associated with a faint violaceous lesion. This gentleman had just recently initiated peritoneal dialysis and had no other lesions on his body.

DIAGNOSIS

His pain was determined by ultrasound and plain radiograph to be secondary to calciphylaxis after two biopsies were nondiagnostic.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient had already made changes to his diet to reduce phosphate and calcium intake, and had been on phosphate-lowering therapy with both calcium and phosphate being within their respective target range. Following his diagnosis, this patient was promptly converted from peritoneal dialysis to hemodialysis with sodium thiosulphate and initiated hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This patient continues to be followed by nephrology and urology specialists.

Diagnosing Calciphylaxis: A Review With Emphasis on Histopathology

Calciphylaxis is a cutaneous vasculopathy with high morbidity and mortality characterized by vascular intimal fibrosis, calcification, stenosis, thrombosis, and eventual tissue death due to ischemia. Histopathologic diagnosis is often difficult, frequently necessitating multiple tissues samples due to lack of specific histopathologic features and subtle changes on biopsies of early lesions. In this study, we review the reported clinical and histopathologic features of calciphylaxis, correlating them with relevant imaging, ancillary studies, and pathophysiology. Although many histopathologic changes seen in calciphylaxis are also reported in other conditions (eg, Mönckeberg sclerosis, lupus panniculitis, pancreatic panniculitis, and peripheral artery disease), calcification of subcutaneous small vessels, thrombosis and/or ischemic changes, pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like changes in the subcutis, and perieccrine calcification may serve as helpful clues. von Kossa and Alizarin red stains can assist in the identification of subtle calcification. Netlike calcification of the affected blood vessels on imaging further supports the diagnosis. Studies into the pathophysiology of calciphylaxis are ongoing and will hopefully facilitate the development of additional diagnostic adjuncts to increase sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of this disease.

Management of Cutaneous Calciphylaxis

Calciphylaxis is a deadly, painful disease with a 1-year mortality of up to 50%. The disease is commonly associated with patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), but it can manifest in non-uremic patients as well. In patients who are undergoing dialysis, the incidence of calciphylaxis can range from 0.04% to 4%. The progressive arterial calcification seen in calciphylaxis can affect multiple body organs, including the skin, brain, lungs, and muscle. In cutaneous calciphylaxis, painful and non-healing nodules, plaques, and ulcers may appear, increasing morbidity for patients. Diagnosis can be difficult, and the condition can clinically appear similar to other dermatological diseases, especially in non-uremic patients. Currently, skin biopsy with histological analysis is the most reliable method to help diagnose the condition. In certain cases, the use of medical imaging may be helpful. Treatment of pain in this condition can be difficult and should be multimodal and include wound care as well as modification of risk factors. Analgesic options include opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as analgesic options that are targeted for specific patients. There are currently multiple clinical trials underway that are studying targeted therapies for this condition.

MR imaging findings of calcinosis cutis in primary Sjogren syndrome, a rare manifestation

Soft tissue calcifications associated with various connective tissue diseases such as dermatomyositis and scleroderma have been well documented Plaque-like sheets of subcutaneous calcifications presenting as an indurated soft tissue mass in a patient with primary Sjogren syndrome have been rarely documented in the literature. We present the magnetic resonance and conventional radiographic findings of calcinosis cutis and calcinosis circumscripta of a 47-year-old woman with biopsy proven Sjogren syndrome. We also delineate various types of soft tissue calcification, histopathology of calcinosis cutis, and current treatment options. Recognizing the magnetic resonance characteristics of this phenomenon may prove useful to radiologists, especially in the absence of clinical history and conventional radiographs.

Localization, Morphologic Features, and Chemical Composition of Calciphylaxis-Related Skin Deposits in Patients With Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy

Importance

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA), a rare, potentially fatal, disease with calcium deposits in skin, mostly affects patients with end-stage renal disease who are receiving dialysis. Chemical composition and structure of CUA calcifications have been poorly described.

Objectives

To describe the localization and morphologic features and determine the precise chemical composition of CUA-related calcium deposits in skin, and identify any mortality-associated factors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted at 7 French hospitals including consecutive adults diagnosed with CUA between January 1, 2006, and January 1, 2017, confirmed according to Hayashi clinical and histologic criteria. Patients with normal renal function were excluded. For comparison, 5 skin samples from patients with arteriolosclerosis and 5 others from the negative margins of skin-carcinoma resection specimens were also analyzed.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Localization and morphologic features of the CUA-related cutaneous calcium deposits were assessed with optical microscopy and field-emission-scanning electron microscopy, and the chemical compositions of those deposits were evaluated with μ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and energy dispersive radiographs.

Results

Thirty-six patients (median [range] age, 64 [33-89] years; 26 [72%] female) were included, and 29 cutaneous biopsies were analyzed. Calcific uremic arteriolopathy and arteriolosclerosis skin calcifications were composed of pure calcium-phosphate apatite. Calcific uremic arteriolopathy vascular calcifications were always circumferential, found in small to medium-sized vessels, with interstitial deposits in 22 (76%) of the samples. A thrombosis, most often in noncalcified capillary lumens in the superficial dermis, was seen in 5 samples from patients with CUA. Except for calcium deposits, the vessel structure of patients with CUA appeared normal, unlike thickened arteriolosclerotic vessel walls. Twelve (33%) patients died of CUA.

Conclusions and Relevance

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy-related skin calcifications were exclusively composed of pure calcium-phosphate apatite, localized circumferentially in small to medium-sized vessels and often associated with interstitial deposits, suggesting its pathogenesis differs from that of arteriolosclerosis. Although the chemical compositions of CUA and arteriolosclerosis calcifications were similar, the vessels' appearances and deposit localizations differed, suggesting different pathogenetic mechanisms.

Penile calciphylaxis: A retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

Calciphylaxis is a rare disorder characterized by skin necrosis caused by calcium deposition within vessels, thrombosis, and subsequent tissue ischemia. Penile involvement may rarely occur.

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors, diagnosis, management, and mortality of patients with penile calciphylaxis.

METHODS

A retrospective medical record review was conducted of 16 patients with penile calciphylaxis treated at 2 large urban tertiary care centers between January 2001 and December 2019. A control group of 44 male patients with nonpenile calciphylaxis at the same institution was included.

RESULTS

The median survival of patients with penile calciphylaxis was 3.8 months (interquartile range, 27.0 months). Mortality was 50% at 3 months and 62.5% at 6 months for penile calciphylaxis, and 13.6% at 3 months and 29.5% at 6 months for controls (P = .008). Patients with penile calciphylaxis were less likely to be obese (P = .04) but more likely to have hyperparathyroidism (P = .0003) and end-stage renal disease (P = .049).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study design and small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

This study further defines the disease course of penile calciphylaxis, which has high mortality. Imaging may be used to aid diagnosis. Risk factors include end-stage renal disease, hyperparathyroidism, and normal body mass index.

Epidemiology and Treatment of Calcinosis Cutis: 13 Years of Experience

Background:

Calcinosis cutis is a rare condition associated with different diseases, which is difficult to manage.

Aims and Objectives:

In this retrospective study, the epidemiology of calcinosis cutis and the effectiveness of various treatment regimens in its management were assessed in a single center.

Materials and Methods:

The data of 34 patients suffering from calcinosis cutis (male:female = 12:22; mean age = 48.6 ± 18.6 years) treated at our department between 2003 and 2016 were analyzed retrospectively.

Results:

Dystrophic, idiopathic, metastatic subtype, and calciphylaxis occurred in 70.6%, 11.8%, 5.9%, and 11.8% of the cases, respectively. Underlying diseases of dystrophic calcinosis included autoimmune connective tissue disease, skin trauma, cutaneous neoplasm, and inherited disorder in 58.3%, 20.8%, 12.5%, and 8.3% of the cases, respectively. Extremities were most frequently affected (n = 18). In the management, diltiazem was most frequently used in monotherapy with partial response in five of eight cases. Other drugs in monotherapy or in combination were administered in single cases. Surgical treatment resulted in least partial response in all of the cases followed (n = 7).

Conclusion:

Dystrophic was the most common subtype and autoimmune connective tissue disease was the most frequent underlying disease. We conclude that lower doses of diltiazem have only partial efficiency, and surgical therapy is at least partially effective in localized calcinosis.

Concomitant calciphylaxis and COVID-19 associated thrombotic retiform purpura

While initial reports regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) focused on its pulmonary manifestations, more recent literature describes multisystem abnormalities related to its associated microvascular angiopathy. Calciphylaxis is a rare systemic condition characterized by tissue necrosis in the setting of systemic microvascular calcifications. Both COVID-19 and calciphylaxis are procoagulant diagnoses associated with vascular-mediated cutaneous findings. To our knowledge, this is the first report to document the coexistence of COVID-19 associated retiform thrombotic purpura and calciphylaxis in a single patient, to link the pathologic etiologies of the two entities, and to describe the concomitant diagnoses' associated radiologic findings.

Calciphylaxis and its diagnosis: A review

Calciphylaxis also known as Calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA), is a rare fatal complication usually associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is characterized by skin ulceration and necrosis leading to significant pain. The disease calciphylaxis is pathological state resulting in accumulation of calcium content in medial wall of small blood vessels along with the fibrotic changes in intima. The aetiopathogenesis of this disease, small vessel vasculopathy, remains complicated, and unclear. It is believed that development of calciphylaxis depends on medial calcification, intimal fibrosis of arterioles and thrombotic occlusion. The disease is rare, life-threatening medical condition that occurs mostly in population with kidney disease or in patients on dialysis. Skin biopsy and radiographic features are helpful in the diagnosis of calciphylaxis, but negative results do not necessarily exclude the diagnosis. This article highlights steps undertaking in the diagnosis of calciphylaxis.

Current clinical issue of skin lesions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with a number of extraintestinal complications, including skin lesions. Most reports have shown that skin lesions are found in 10-15% of IBD cases, although this depends on the definition of skin lesions. The representative skin lesions in patients with IBD are erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, Sweet's syndrome, and so on. These lesions are often associated with IBD progression, and intestinal lesions in particular require appropriate treatment. Recently, another clinical issue regarding skin lesions in patients with IBD, a so-called paradoxical reaction, during the treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents has emerged. These reactions are termed paradoxical reactions because the skin lesions sometimes resemble psoriasis, although the anti-TNF-α agents have been historically used to treat psoriasis. Paradoxical reactions are reportedly found in approximately 5-10% of patients using anti-TNF-α agents and are no longer rare. Now that the use of biologics is at its culmination, reports regarding paradoxical reactions are predicted to increase in number; thus, we must recognize skin lesions with IBD patients including this type of adverse events and manage them appropriately while consulting with dermatologists.

[Calcific uremic arteriolopathy in hemodialysis patient, review of literature through five cases reports]

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy, also called calciphylaxis, is a rare and severe disorder that presents with skin ischemia and necrosis, sometimes it presents with systemic necrosis, the process is secondary to the obliteration of the arterioles first by sub-intimal calcium deposits and then by thrombosis. These lesions can often lead to death due to infectious complications and comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, arteritis, diffuse vascular calcifications, heart disease and undernutrition. The diagnosis is suggested by the characteristic ischemic skin lesions and their distribution, often bilateral and painful, associeted with calcific uremic arteriolopathy risk factors (phosphocalcic abnormalities, anti-vitamin K). The presence of radiological vascular calcifications is highly suggesting the diagnosis, but remains not very specific. The indication of skin biopsy is rare and reserved for difficult diagnoses. The goals of treatment are: reduce the extension of calcification and treatment of mineral and bone metabolism disorders of end-stage renal disease, dialysis adequacy, local treatment of skin lesions, tissue oxygenation, pain management, discontinuation and contraindication of medications that may contribute to the disorder. We propose to discuss it from a review of the literature and illustrate it with five clinical cases.

Calciphylaxis in patients with chronic kidney disease: A disease which is still bewildering and potentially fatal

Calciphylaxis, also known as calcific uraemic arteriolopathy, is a rare syndrome that typically causes skin necrosis and usually affects dialysis patients. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and is the consequence of many factors causing ectopic calcifications in patients with chronic kidney disease, such as calcium-phosphate metabolism disorders, hyper- or hypo-parathyroidism, diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation and the use of vitamin K antagonists, among others. From a clinical point of view, calciphylaxis may progress from painful purpura to extensive areas of skin necrosis that can potentially lead to superinfection and the death of the patient due to sepsis. Treatment is primarily based on managing the wounds, eliminating all the possible precipitating factors of ectopic calcification and administering agents which are capable of inhibiting the process of calcification.

Non-uraemic calciphylaxis successfully treated with pamidronate infusion

Calciphylaxis is a rare and potentially fatal disease that affects the subcutaneous layer of the skin. It is a calcific vasculopathy induced by a systemic process that causes occlusion of small blood vessels. The mortality rate for individuals diagnosed with calciphylaxis is estimated between 52% and 81% with sepsis being the leading cause of death. Uraemic calciphylaxis and its known effective treatments are well documented in the literature. Unfortunately, there is no known effective treatment for non-uraemic calciphylaxis. Most of the current treatments for non-uraemic calciphylaxis are derived from uraemic calciphylaxis treatment protocols. We report a case of a 75-year-old female with calciphylaxis on the right lower extremity who was successfully treated with four pamidronate infusions in addition to local wound care. This case represents a non-uraemic calciphylaxis wound successfully treated with pamidronate infusions and standard wound care, and suggests that IV pamidronate can be an effective treatment option.

An Update on Calciphylaxis

Calciphylaxis, also known as calcific uremic arteriolopathy and uremic small artery disease with medial wall calcification and intimal hyperplasia, is a multifactorial cutaneous vascular disease characterized by chronic, painful, non-healing wounds that occur frequently in patients with chronic kidney disease, predominantly in those with end-stage renal disease. The pathogenesis remains unclear, and the development of calciphylaxis lesions depends on medial calcification, intimal fibrosis of arterioles and thrombotic occlusion. Despite an increase in reports of calciphylaxis in the literature and clinical recognition of demographic characteristics and risk factors associated with calciphylaxis, it remains a poorly understood disease with high morbidity and mortality. In this review, we analyze and summarize the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis and pathophysiology, histopathology, differential diagnosis, diagnostic workup and treatment modalities for calciphylaxis. Because of the lack of consensus regarding the optimal approach to and treatment of this disorder, a high degree of clinical suspicion, early diagnosis, and multimodal and multidisciplinary treatment in collaboration with dermatology, nephrology, wound care, nutrition and pain management specialties may improve survival in patients with calciphylaxis.

Histopathology of Calciphylaxis: Cohort Study With Clinical Correlations

Calciphylaxis is a rare, painful, and life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate. Although the etiology of calciphylaxis is not well understood, it has been proposed that calcium deposition within and around subcutaneous vessels restricts blood flow chronically, thereby predisposing the patient to acute pannicular and dermal thrombosis. Given increasing recognition of the role of hypercoagulability in calciphylaxis, this retrospective cohort study sought to evaluate the presence of thromboses and dermal angioplasia in calciphylaxis. Moreover, we aimed to validate previous observations about the histopathology of calciphylaxis compared with skin biopsies from patients with end-stage renal disease but without calciphylaxis. After a meticulous clinical chart review, we assessed the corresponding skin biopsies for the presence of vessel calcification, thromboses, and dermal angioplasia in skin biopsies from patients with calciphylaxis (n = 57) and compared with those from patients with end-stage renal disease but without calciphylaxis (n = 26). Histopathologic findings were correlated with clinical features such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or associated malignancy. Our results validated a prior observation that calciphylaxis was significantly more likely to show calcification of dermal vessels and diffuse dermal thrombi. This study reports the frequent finding of dermal angioplasia, a potential marker of chronic low-grade ischemia, as another frequent microscopic finding in calciphylaxis. Among cases of calciphylaxis, histopathologic changes in patients with chronic kidney disease were indistinguishable from those in patients without chronic kidney disease, thereby implying a final common pathogenic pathway in both uremic and nonuremic calciphylaxis. In future, larger, prospective studies may be useful in validating these findings.

Early clinical presentations and progression of calciphylaxis

BACKGROUND

Untreated calciphylaxis is a fatal disease of intra- and extravascular calcification, most commonly presenting in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. While early identification is critical for timely treatment, early-stage clinical and histopathological descriptions have not, to our knowledge, been elucidated. As early clinical recognition is essential to prompt definitive histopathological diagnosis, this study describes a range of clinical and histopathological manifestations of early-stage calciphylaxis.

METHODS

Five patients with clinical photographs of lesions of early-phase calciphylaxis were chosen from a recent database of 101 patients. Their clinical histories were reviewed and correlated with their respective clinical and histopathological images of early-stage disease and progression of the disease.

RESULTS

Two of the five patients were identified early to have calciphylaxis and were promptly initiated on aggressive, multimodal therapy, resulting in complete resolution and remission of calciphylaxis. The other three patients were also recognized in early stages, one without renal disease, although the disease had progressed to more advanced stages associated with greater morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

These cases demonstrate that calciphylaxis may be clinically misdiagnosed due to ill-defined presentations, particularly in the early stages without the characteristic features of livedo racemosa and ulceration. However, recognition in the early stages is critical to implement timely treatment. As such, definitively diagnostic skin biopsy should be considered early in suspected cases to confirm the diagnosis of calciphylaxis and ensure prompt management of this lethal disease.

A case report of severe calciphylaxis - suggested approach for diagnosis and treatment

BACKGROUND

Calciphylaxis is a serious complication in patients with chronic kidney disease associated mineral and bone disorder. It can occur in conditions with low and high bone turnover. So far, there are no definite diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines which may prevent the devastating outcome in many calciphylaxis patients. We report a case which clearly illustrates that knowledge of the underlying bone disorder is essential for a directed treatment. Based on this experience we discuss a systematic diagnostic and therapeutic approach in patients with calciphylaxis.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a patient with severe calciphylaxis. Initial evaluation showed an elevated serum parathormone concentration and a bone-specific alkaline phosphatase activity in the upper normal range; however, the bone biopsy clearly showed adynamic bone disease. Extended dialysis with low calcium dialysate concentration and citrate anticoagulation, and administration of teriparatide led to a further increase in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase activity and most importantly, resulted in an activated bone turnover as confirmed by a second bone biopsy 11 weeks later.

CONCLUSIONS

This case illustrates that laboratory tests cannot reliably differentiate between high and low bone turnover in calciphylaxis patients. More importantly, this case highlights the fact that specific therapies that alter bone metabolism cannot be applied without knowledge of the bone status. On this background, we suggest that bone biopsies should be an integral part in the diagnosis and therapeutic decision in these patients and should be evaluated in further studies.

Calciphylaxis: Comparison of radiologic imaging and histopathology

BACKGROUND

The current gold standard for diagnosis of calciphylaxis is a skin biopsy specimen demonstrating calcification of small-caliber arteries or arterioles.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to compare diameters of calcified vessels seen in skin biopsy specimens and radiology images of patients with calciphylaxis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients with known calciphylaxis from 2009 to 2016 at a community hospital who had both skin biopsy specimens and radiology images taken as part of their routine care. Vascular calcification was compared in skin biopsy specimens and radiology images.

RESULTS

Seven patients were identified. Small-vessel calcification as fine as 0.1 to 0.3 mm was identified on plain films in 3 patients; 0.1 to 0.2 mm by mammography in 3 patients, and 0.1 to 0.2 mm by computed tomography imaging in 1 patient, nearly as fine a resolution as on histopathology.

LIMITATIONS

This was a single-center study with limited sample size.

CONCLUSION

Radiologic imaging might enable more rapid diagnosis of calciphylaxis when skin biopsy specimen is pending or not available.

POEMS syndrome and calciphylaxis: an unrecognized cause of abnormal small vessel calcification

Background

Calciphylaxis is a syndrome consisting of vascular calcification, thrombosis, and skin necrosis. The syndrome develops often in chronic hemodialysis patients. However, there have been several case reports on calciphylaxis in patients with POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes) syndrome, a systemic disease associated with plasma cell dyscrasia and upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Methods

In 76 POEMS patients and 86 age- and gender-matched disease controls, we studied abnormal small vessel calcification by computed tomography (CT) of the soft tissues. Clinical and laboratory profiles were compared between POEMS patients with and without calciphylaxis. Histological examination was performed in six autopsy cases.

Results

Small vessel calcification on CT was found in 17 % of POEMS patients and in none of the controls (P < 0.001). Autopsy confirmed calciphylaxis in 2 (33 %) patients. Among POEMS patients, higher disease activity, including more severe neuropathy and ascites, higher serum levels of interleukin-6, and lower serum albumin levels, was associated with the development of calciphylaxis. Serum levels of creatinine, calcium, and phosphate were not related to the presence of calciphylaxis.

Conclusions

Calciphylaxis is often present in patients with POEMS syndrome. Upregulation of multiple inflammatory cytokines such as VEGF and interleukin-6 may contribute to the development of calciphylaxis, by entirely different mechanism from that in chronic dialysis. POEMS syndrome should be recognized as a potential cause of calciphylaxis.

Calciphylaxis: a case series and the role of radiology in diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Calciphylaxis is a syndrome of vascular calcification most commonly affecting patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis. Because of its high mortality rate, early diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Although diagnosis is usually based on skin biopsy, histopathology is often nonspecific. As the role of imaging in calciphylaxis has not been studied extensively, we examined the utility of radiology in the diagnosis of this disease.

METHODS

A thorough review of electronic medical records for 2005-2013 at Loyola University Medical Center yielded 10 patients with biopsy-proven calciphylaxis. Using the radiological picture archiving and communication system (PACS), all imaging studies of the affected body part obtained within 6 months of diagnosis were analyzed and tabulated.

RESULTS

All 10 patients had undergone imaging (computed tomography, ultrasound, plain radiography, and/or mammography) of the affected anatomy prior to diagnosis by skin biopsy. Nine of these patients were noted to have moderate-to-severe soft tissue vascular calcification in the area of skin biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series supports the suggestion that findings of superficial vascular calcifications on imaging studies are sensitive for the diagnosis of calciphylaxis. Used in conjunction with histopathological, clinical, and laboratory data, radiology can serve an important role in the diagnosis of calciphylaxis.

[Uraemic and non-uraemic calcific arteriopathy: The need for rapid diagnosis and therapy]

Calcific arteriopathy (CA), also commonly known as calciphylaxis, is a disease carrying a poor prognosis. It is seen primarily in patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI), particularly those on haemodialysis (HD), where it is referred to as uraemic calcific arteriopathy (UCA), but it also occurs outside this setting, in which case it is known as non-uraemic calcific arteriopathy (NUCA). It is caused by thrombotic cutaneous arteriolar microangiopathy associated with fine calcium deposits in the media associated with hyperplasia of the intima of the dermal and hypodermal arterioles. Its course comprises two phases: a silent phase in which the arteriolar abnormalities begin, followed by a symptomatic phase, frequently triggered by specific factors, with sudden appearance of necrotic ischaemic plaques on the skin. Several clinical forms exist, proximal, distal and mixed, depending on the main site of the lesions. The prognosis is poor due to septic complications and the involvement of other organs. Diagnosis is based on the patient's history, clinical examination, laboratory examinations and skin biopsy with Von Kossa staining. The physiopathology, which is complex and is becoming increasingly well understood, involves high phosphorous and calcium levels and hyperparathyroidism, as well as other factors (inflammation, factors promoting or inhibiting calcification, coagulation disorders and traumatisms). Treatment involves a multidisciplinary and medical-surgical approach.

Calciphylaxis: risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment

Calciphylaxis is a rare but devastating condition that has continued to challenge the medical community since its early descriptions in the scientific literature many decades ago. It is predominantly seen in patients with chronic kidney failure treated with dialysis (uremic calciphylaxis) but is also described in patients with earlier stages of chronic kidney disease and with normal kidney function. In this review, we discuss the available medical literature regarding risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of both uremic and nonuremic calciphylaxis. High-quality evidence for the evaluation and management of calciphylaxis is lacking at this time due to its rare incidence and poorly understood pathogenesis and the relative paucity of collaborative research efforts. We hereby provide a summary of recommendations developed by a multidisciplinary team for patients with calciphylaxis.

Calciphylaxis: from the disease to the diseased

Calciphylaxis, or calcific uremic arteriolopathy, is a vascular ossification-calcification disease involving cutaneous or visceral arterioles, with ischemic damage of the surrounding tissues, usually in the setting of chronic kidney disease. Pathogenesis is still unclear and probably comprises the participation of vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and macrophages surrounded by a uremic and/or pro-calcifying environment. According to the original concept of calcific uremic arteriolopathy coined by Hans Selye, risk factors may be divided into sensitizers and challengers and their knowledge is useful in clinical practice to pre-emptively identify both uremic and non-uremic 'at risk' patients and guide treatment. Systemic calcific uremic arteriolopathy is a rarity. Cutaneous calcific uremic arteriolopathy is more frequent and clinically presents as a first phase of cutaneous hardening and erythema, followed by a second phase of ulcerations and scars; these two phases are probably associated with the initial development of arteriolar lesion and tissue ischemic damage, respectively. Clinical history, physical examination, laboratory analysis, histology and imaging are the main tools to exclude important differential diagnoses and obtain a definitive diagnosis. Treatment is generally unrewarding and consists of rigorous control of comorbid conditions, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic strategies, avoidance of iatrogeny and wound and pain management. Prognosis remains poor in terms of morbidity and mortality. Efforts should be made towards a greater awareness of calcific uremic arteriolopathy, development of better therapies and improvement of clinical outcomes.

[Massive panniculectomy and bilateral subtotal mastectomy in a case of calciphylaxis: A case report and up date]

Calciphylaxis or calcific arteriolopathy is a rare, life-threatening obstructive pathology of the small cutaneous and subcutaneous vessels. It mainly affects patients with chronic renal failure but it also has been described in patients with normal renal function. The principal risks factors apart from renal failure and phosphocalcic metabolism imbalance are: the female sex, obesity, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes and oral anti-coagulation. We present a very rare case of abdominal, mammarian and upper thighs calciphylaxis in a patient with normal renal function. She presented a severe obesity with a recent important loss of weight and had been treated by oral anticoagulants for a long time. She benefited of a multidisciplinary approach with dermatologists, plastic surgeons and anesthesists permitting a recovery in fourteen weeks. Multidisciplinary approach is necessary but the place of the surgery is not well defined. We report a case in which early and wide surgical approach permitted to obtain a favourable evolution of the pathology. Then, we propose a therapeutic strategy after review of the literature.

Regression of vascular calcification following an acute episode of calciphylaxis: a case report

Introduction

In clinical situations, vascular calcification tends to progress and is difficult to completely arrest or reverse. Calciphylaxis, a severe complication of end-stage renal disease, is a specific form of vascular calcification. Control studies have provided evidence that monotherapy with sodium thiosulfate or cinacalcet delays the progression of vascular calcification. Successful treatment of calciphylaxis with sodium thiosulfate or cinacalcet has also been reported. We report a case demonstrating the regression of vascular calcification following an acute episode of necrotic skin lesions suspected to be calciphylaxis. During the successful multimodal treatment, sodium thiosulfate and cinacalcet were sequentially administered in addition to surgical debridement and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 71-year-old Asian woman on hemodialysis who presented with suspected calciphylaxis lesions in her lower left leg. Plain radiographs revealed diffuse calcified vessel changes in her lower extremities. During the initial wound treatment with a course of intravenous sodium thiosulfate, our patient’s predialysis serum levels of total calcium markedly increased, yielding no calciphylaxis improvement. The necrotic wounds began healing only after surgical debridement. A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed to dilate a 70% stenosis in her left posterior tibial artery. Our patient was then treated with cinacalcet, resulting in improved control of her calcium, phosphate and parathyroid hormone serum levels. The lesions completely healed after six months of multimodal treatment. Repeated plain radiographs in the following two years revealed gradual vascular calcification regression in her lower extremities.

Conclusion

In addition to the favorable outcome of our patient’s wounds, radiology was used to document the regression of calcification in the large and small arteries of her lower limbs. However, it is difficult to determine the precise mechanism of the multimodal treatment that caused the vascular calcification regression and wound healing. The clinical course suggested that the surgical treatment and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty substantially contributed to healing her wounds. Cinacalcet and sodium thiosulfate may have played distinct roles in the regression of her vascular calcification. A well-controlled study or large case series are required to assess the additive effects of these agents when treating vascular calcification.

A case report: radiological findings in an unusual case of calciphylaxis 16 years after renal transplantation

Calciphylaxis is a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by medial calcification of arterioles leading to subcutaneous ischemia and skin necrosis. It is most commonly seen in patients with end-stage renal disease or shortly after renal transplantation. We report an unusual case of calciphylaxis occurring 16 years after renal transplantation in a 48-year-old female with a failing graft, along with histological and striking radiological findings.

Cutaneous manifestations of ESRD

A broad range of skin diseases occurs in patients with ESRD: from the benign and asymptomatic to the physically disabling and life-threatening. Many of them negatively impact on quality of life. Their early recognition and treatment are essential in reducing morbidity and mortality. The cutaneous manifestations can be divided into two main categories: nonspecific and specific. The nonspecific manifestations are commonly seen and include skin color changes, xerosis, half-and-half nails, and pruritus. The specific disorders include acquired perforating dermatosis, bullous dermatoses, metastatic calcification, and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. This review article describes these conditions and considers the underlying pathophysiology, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Update on cutaneous calciphylaxis

Calciphylaxis is a devastating disorder with a mortality rate of 80% due to sepsis and organ failure. Hallmarks of this rare disease are arteriolar media calcification, thrombotic cutaneous ischemia, and necrotic ulcerations. Different mechanisms of vascular calcification can lead to calciphylaxis. Early diagnosis by deep cutaneous ulcer biopsy is most important for prognosis. Here, dermatologists play a significant role although treatment usually needs an interdisciplinary approach. Surgical procedures had been the cornerstone of treatment in the past including parathyroidectomy, but recently new medical treatments emerged aiming to normalize disturbances of minerals to reduce the serum concentration of sodium phosphate and to prevent precipitation and calcification. Multimodal therapy is warranted but only aggressive surgical debridement of cutaneous ulcers has shown significant outcome improvement.