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Tumoral calcinosis: a case report with an electron microscopic study
J Arikawa1, Y Higaki, J Mizushima
1Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan.
European Journal of Dermatology : EJD
|February 29, 2000
Summary
A traumatic bruise led to painful subcutaneous calcification in a woman. The condition involved hydroxyapatite deposition on proteoglycans, suggesting vascular injury and hypoxia contribute to calcinosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Subcutaneous calcification can occur following trauma.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of calcinosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old woman presented with painful subcutaneous masses after a bruise.
- Histology revealed extensive dermal calcification, identified as hydroxyapatite deposition.
- Electron microscopy showed crystalline material on unusual proteoglycans and thickened basement membranes in vessels.
Findings:
- The patient's calcinosis was linked to vascular injury and subsequent hypoxia.
- The calcification process involved hydroxyapatite deposition on proteoglycans.
- Thickened basement membranes in vessel walls suggest a role for vascular changes.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential mechanism for post-traumatic calcinosis.
- Vascular integrity and oxygenation may be key factors in preventing or treating calcinosis.
- Surgical intervention can provide symptomatic relief for painful subcutaneous calcification.