[Calciphylaxis. Pathogenesis and therapy]

Calciphylaxis is a rare disease associated with thrombotic cutaneous ischemia and necrosis. Lesions are usually located on the lower extremities, buttocks and the abdomen. Calciphylaxis is recognized by medial calcification, inflammation and subintimal fibrosis of cutaneous arterioles. Calcification, thrombus formation and occlusion occur sequential before tissue necrosis. The disease is usually observed in patients with end-stage renal disease and hyperparathyroidism. In end-stage renal disease, an elevated parathyroid hormone level, hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia direct to vascular mineralization. Calciphylaxis affects about 4% of hemodialysis patients. The clinical syndrome is characterized by a high mortality rate. The most important measure is an active multidisciplinary management approach, with intention to wound care and prevention of sepsis.