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Calcinosis cutis in autoimmune connective tissue diseases
Albert Gutierrez1, David A Wetter
1Mayo Medical School, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Dermatologic Therapy
|June 30, 2012
Summary
Calcinosis cutis, a skin condition with calcified deposits, often links to autoimmune diseases. Treatment options vary, with no single cure, but several therapies show promise for managing this painful disorder.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Calcinosis cutis involves insoluble calcified deposits in skin and subcutaneous tissue.
- It is frequently associated with autoimmune connective tissue diseases, causing pain and disability.
- Systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis are the most common associated conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss recommendations for diagnosing and treating calcinosis cutis in patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases.
- To review current therapeutic options for calcinosis cutis.
- To highlight the challenges in identifying effective treatments due to limited controlled trials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on calcinosis cutis diagnosis and therapy.
- Analysis of surgical and medical treatment modalities.
- Discussion of clinical recommendations based on available evidence.
Main Results:
- No uniformly effective treatment exists for calcinosis cutis.
- Various therapies, including surgical excision, laser therapy, ESWL, diltiazem, minocycline, colchicine, and topical sodium thiosulfate, offer some benefit.
- Treatment efficacy varies, and large controlled trials are scarce.
Conclusions:
- Calcinosis cutis management requires a multifaceted approach.
- Further research, including controlled trials, is needed to establish optimal therapeutic strategies.
- Recommendations for diagnosis and therapy are provided for clinicians managing patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases.
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