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Severe calcinosis cutis in an infant.
Surasak Puvabanditsin1, Eugene Garrow, Ruetima Titapiwatanakun
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA. surasak1@aol.com
Pediatric Radiology
|November 27, 2004
Summary
Severe neonatal asphyxia and pulmonary hypertension led to prolonged calcium therapy in an infant. This resulted in rare, generalized calcinosis cutis, presenting as widespread skin calcifications.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Severe neonatal asphyxia and persistent pulmonary hypertension are critical conditions requiring intensive management.
- Hypocalcemia is a potential complication in neonates, often treated with calcium gluconate.
- Calcinosis cutis, characterized by calcium salt deposition in the skin, has diverse etiologies.
Observation:
- An infant treated with prolonged intravenous calcium gluconate for hypocalcemia developed extensive subcutaneous indurations.
- These "armor-like" lesions were noted on the trunk, limbs, and face, particularly in skin folds.
- Radiographic imaging revealed widespread soft-tissue calcifications throughout the body.
Findings:
- The patient presented with a rare and extensive manifestation of calcinosis cutis.
- Generalized soft-tissue calcification, rather than localized deposits, was observed.
- This case highlights a potential association between prolonged calcium therapy and widespread calcinosis cutis in neonates.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of monitoring for calcinosis cutis in infants receiving prolonged calcium therapy.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific pathogenetic mechanisms linking calcium treatment to generalized calcinosis cutis.
- Understanding this association can inform clinical practice and improve management strategies for at-risk neonates.