[A case of idiopathic multiple calcinosis cutis]

A case of calcinosis cutis, appeared since childhood in a woman 73-years-old, affected by diabetes mellitus with complications, is described. This uncommon disorder is discussed on the basis of data from recent literature. Calcinosis cutis is a condition characterized by the deposition of crystals of calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite) in the skin. Calcinosis cutis may be idiopathic or secondary. The idiopathic calcinosis cutis is uncommon, may be solitary or multiple, sporadic or associated with Down syndrome (MICC or "milialike idiopathic calcinosis cutis") and appears more often in childhood or adolescence. Secondary calcinosis cutis may appear in the course of juvenile dermatomyositis or in the form of systemic scleroderma named CREST syndrome (calcinosis cutis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly and telangectasia). Calcinosis cutis may also be seen later in the course of renal failure, associated with hyperphosphatemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism. In this case report, calcinosis cutis appeared early in life and the laboratory data showed normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate and leukocyte count, negative LE test and absence of rheumatoid factor and non-organ-specific auto-antibodies, and multiple localizations. On these grounds, the diagnosis of idiopathic multiple calcinosis cutis was made. This is a rare and benign syndrome, which does not cause any late complication and whose prognosis is therefore favourable.