Calciphylaxis following kidney transplantation: a case report

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Dermatology
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• Calciphylaxis post-kidney transplantation is a rare complication with a typically poor prognosis.
• This condition leads to chronic, non-healing wounds.
• The presented case involved early-onset proximal lower limb calciphylaxis in a kidney transplant recipient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of calciphylaxis after kidney transplantation.
• To highlight a favorable outcome in a patient with atypical risk factors.
• To discuss fundamental management issues for this condition.

Main Methods:

• A case presentation of a 70-year-old male kidney transplant recipient.
• The patient developed cutaneous calciphylaxis lesions on the medial thighs six months post-transplantation.
• Evaluation included assessment of calcium-phosphate product and parathyroid hormone levels.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced rapid-onset cutaneous calciphylaxis early after kidney transplantation.
• Despite no classic risk factors, the patient had a favorable clinical outcome.
• The case underscores the importance of individualized management strategies.

Conclusions:

• This is the first reported case of early-onset cutaneous calciphylaxis post-kidney transplantation with a favorable outcome.
• Prompt management involving wound care and antimicrobial therapy is essential.
• Correction of calcium-phosphate product imbalances is indicated where necessary.