Calciphylaxis

Calciphylaxis is a rare, life-threatening condition of widespread metastatic calcification most commonly seen in the setting of end-stage renal disease. The etiology of calciphylaxis is not well described, though there are several hypotheses. Cutaneous lesions are characteristically found on the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs as reticulated, painful, purple plaques that often undergo ulceration and may serve as a portal of entry for potentially life-threatening infectious agents. Histology reveals medial calcification with intimal proliferation involving small vessels in the subcutaneous fat, associated with a lymphohistiocytic infiltrate of the affected lobules. Treatment, including phosphate binders and parathyroidectomy, is not universally effective. We present one case of calciphylaxis and discuss the clinical features, pathophysiology, histology, and treatment of the condition.