NON-UREMIC CALCIPHYLAXIS SECONDARY TO ACUTE COVID-19

ABSTRACT

CASE A 40-year-old white female with medical history significant for COVID-19 infection three months prior to presentation and previous spontaneous miscarriage presented with bilateral lower extremity lesions present for several weeks and described as “sunburn-like” with blistering. The lesions were initially located on her anterior thighs and spread to the lateral thighs and lower back. On presentation, she was found to have several distinct lower extremity lesions, with evidence of necrosis and eschar formation, along with blackened mottled skin. The lesions were extremely painful to the patient. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated hyponatremia, elevated ESR and CRP, with normal serum creatine and calcium. Calciphylaxis was confirmed with biopsy. The patient was treated with strict wound care to prevent infection and received sodium thiosulfate three times weekly and anticoagulation with apixaban due to concern for underlying hypercoagulability. An extensive work-up for underlying autoimmunity and hypercoagulability demonstrated presence of antiphospholipid antibodies with positive Cardiolipin IgM, lupus anticoagulant, and a homogenous ANA patern that showed a titer of 1160. Her clinical status improved on extensive pain regimen and on follow-up one week later, the lesions were unchanged. IMPACT/DISCUSSION: Calciphylaxis is a known dermatologic finding that is typically diagnosed in the setting of End-stage Renal disease (ESRD). It presents with non-healing, painful skin ulcers that are at a high risk for infection and have poor healing. In the absence of ESRD, calciphylaxis is rare but has been reported in certain settings including hypercoagulable states and/ or autoimmune conditions. We present a case that has an absence of known etiologies for calciphylaxis and hypothesize that this is due to a hypercoagulable state caused by recent COVID-19 infection, or COVID-19 aggravating an underlying hypercoagulable state. This case offers an uncommon diagnosis with an even rarer presentation. Calciphylaxis must be confirmed with biopsy and is extremely debilitating and painful. In the setting of non-uremic calciphylaxis, prevention of infection and management of pain should be prioritized. Additionally, this case offers a platform to identifying COVID-19 as a risk factor for development of calciphylaxis in previously healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: The general internist should be aware of non-uremic calciphylaxis and also be concerned for hypercoagulable state induced from COVID-19. It is important to have accurate history-taking and consider delayed reactions, as in this case.