Calciphylactic Arteriopathy in Chronic Renal Failure Patient

ABSTRACT

Calciphylaxis has been described as a rare condition in patients with end-stage renal disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Selye et al. first coined the term calciphylaxis to describe soft-tissue calcification and cutaneous necrosis. The common manifestation include painful digital necrosis and medial calcification of small and medium sized vessels. Calciphylaxis is a clinical diagnosis and is characterized by painful, violaceous, mottled skin lesions. Radiographic studies reveal calcification of median and small vessels under the knee but vascular calcification is not specific for calciphylaxis. Histolopathologic findings show a markedly reduced lumen, secondary to the fibrin deposition and inflammation in and around the outer media with an outer ring of calcification which leads to progressive ischemic tissue necrosis. Kidney transplantation and parathyroidectomy is recommened but it is controversial. We present the case of a 64-years-old man with chronic renal failure as well as painful ischemic necrosis on the lower extremity. The pertinets literature is reviewed.