Spectrum of complications related to secondary hyperparathyroidism in a peritoneal dialysis patient

The index patient is a 23-year-old female with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to chemotherapeutic agents. Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) has been the renal replacement therapy for the past 5 years since a failed cadaveric renal transplant. Past medical history was significant for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, anemia, bilateral subclavian vein thrombosis with superior vena cava syndrome, secondary hyperparathyroidism, leukemia (at age 8), and hyperlipidemia. On presentation, soft tissue nodules were noted in the anterolateral surfaces of the legs. After 3 months of continued low-calcium-dialysate CCPD, calcitriol, and oral phosphate binders, a 2 x 3 cm nodule was noted on the posterior aspect of the thorax at the scapula. The only complaint at this time was shoulder pain at the acromioclavicular joint. Radiological examination revealed a 3 x 4 cm soft tissue opacity in the superior segment of the left lower lobe laterally. Despite a prior subtotal parathyroidectomy, phosphate binders, and calcitriol, the parathyroid hormone levels continued to increase, with development of tumoral calcinosis, worsening renal osteodystrophy, and calciphylaxis. Computed tomography examination revealed extensive soft tissue calcification consistent with tumoral calcinosis. An ulcerative lesion (1 cm) developed on the lateral aspect of the upper thigh owing to warfarin necrosis versus calciphylaxis. At this time, the phosphate binder was changed from calcium acetate to sevelamer hydrochloride. Aggressive wound treatment and aggressive calcium and phosphate control added to the treatment regimen has resulted in healing of the single ulcer and a decrease in the size of the tumoral lesions. In conclusion, early recognition and aggressive treatment of calciphylaxis can result in reduced morbidity and mortality from calciphylaxis in ESRD patients.