Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Subcutaneous calcification of the lower legs in a patient with mixed connective tissue disease
Kazuhiko Yamamura1, Masakazu Takahara, Kana Masunaga
1Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. kazuhiko@dermatol.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
A 56-year-old woman who had been treated for mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) noticed a skin ulcer on the lower leg. There was no history of trauma. X-rays of the lower legs showed extensive calcification in the soft tissue. Biopsied tissue from the ulcer showed marked calcium deposition with necrosis. Laboratory findings revealed normal serum calcium and phosphate levels and normal parathyroid function. On the basis of these findings, we diagnosed skin ulcer due to subcutaneous dystrophic calcification associated with MCTD. The ulcer was gradually reduced in size and epithelialized by treatment with local debridement and antibiotics.
Related Concept Videos
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Connective Tissue Cell Types
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
