[Calcinosis cutis: cutaneous manifestations of generalized calcinosis in renal hyperparathyroidism]

In 2 female patients suffering from chronic renal insufficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation was performed, but shortly afterwards tertiary hyperparathyroidism developed. Together with numerous generalized metastatic foci of severe smooth tissue calcification, extensive calcification of the skin occurred. Some of the hard painful areas with papules, nodules and large plaques of calcium deposits were inflamed and ulcerated, and the histological picture was that of severe disseminated calcification of the middle and deep reticular dermis, spreading over into the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Conventional X-ray examinations and computer tomography revealed large asymmetrical areas of bone-dense calcification of the soft tissue. After total excision of the autografts the severe calcifications of the skin diminished or disappeared completely.