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Osteoclast-like multi-nucleated giant cells in uraemic tumoral calcinosis

Shunsuke Yamada1, Masatomo Taniguchi, Masanori Tokumoto

  • 1Departments of Medicine and Clinical Science.

NDT Plus
|May 23, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Tumoral calcinosis, a rare condition causing calcium deposits, can be linked to kidney disease. Osteoclast-like cells may play a role in resorbing these calcifications.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Orthopedics
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Tumoral calcinosis is a rare condition characterized by massive calcification, often associated with metabolic disorders like chronic kidney disease.
  • Patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis are at increased risk for developing tumoral calcinosis due to altered mineral metabolism.

Observation:

  • A 46-year-old female on hemodialysis presented with severe hip pain and imaging revealed a calcified mass around the left femur head.
  • Percutaneous biopsy confirmed calcium deposition, and surgical resection identified tumoral calcinosis associated with low bone turnover.

Findings:

  • Immunohistochemistry of the resected tissue showed multinucleated giant cells expressing CD68, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and calcitonin receptor, suggesting osteoclast-like activity.
  • Treatment modification led to complete resolution of tumoral calcinosis lesions around the left knee within six months.

Implications:

  • This case suggests that osteoclast-like cells may be involved in the active resorption of tumoral calcinosis.
  • Understanding the cellular mechanisms of tumoral calcinosis could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for patients with chronic kidney disease.

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