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Fingertip calcinosis cutis
S Cambiaghi1, D Imondi, S Gangi
1Istituto di Scienze Dermatologiche, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, Milan, Italy. stefanodoc@tiscalinet.it
Insights
This study reports a rare case of fingertip calcinosis cutis in an infant, characterized by periodic elimination of calcified nodules. The condition was likely caused by neonatal intensive care-related venous obstruction and subsequent ischemic damage.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
Background:
- Calcinosis cutis is a rare disorder involving abnormal calcium phosphate deposition in the skin.
- Skin calcifications in children can be peculiar and sometimes iatrogenic.
- Understanding the etiology of pediatric calcinosis cutis is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- An unusual case of a neonate presenting with periodic transepidermal elimination of calcified nodules from the fingertips.
- The infant required intensive care during the neonatal period.
- The calcified nodules were observed exclusively on the fingertips.
Findings:
- Fingertip calcinosis cutis was diagnosed in the infant.
- The condition was likely a consequence of ischemic damage.
- Venous obstruction during neonatal intensive care is the suspected cause of the ischemic damage.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential iatrogenic cause of calcinosis cutis in neonates.
- It underscores the importance of monitoring for skin complications following intensive neonatal care.
- Further research into the mechanisms of iatrogenic calcinosis cutis may improve patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Calcinosis cutis, a rare disorder caused by an abnormal deposit of calcium phosphate into the skin, is observed in a variety of disorders. Peculiar conditions feature skin calcifications in children and may have an iatrogenic origin. The unusual case of a baby showing periodic transepidermal elimination of calcified nodules from her fingertips is reported. In this case, fingertip calcinosis cutis was probably caused by ischemic damage due to the venous obstruction that occurred during intensive care in the neonatal period.