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Impressive Subcutaneous Calcifications in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Alina Dima1, Ioana Berzea1, Cristian Baicus2
1Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.
Maedica
|July 31, 2015
Summary
Dystrophic calcinosis cutis, a rare complication, occurred in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This case highlights subcutaneous calcified masses in SLE despite normal calcium levels.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Dystrophic calcinosis cutis is typically associated with connective tissue diseases like dermatomyositis and systemic sclerosis.
- Its occurrence in other autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, is infrequently documented.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old female patient with a 5-year history of systemic lupus erythematosus presented with multiple, significant subcutaneous calcified masses.
- Laboratory investigations revealed normal serum calcium and phosphate levels.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates an unusual presentation of dystrophic calcinosis cutis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.
- The absence of hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia further distinguishes this presentation.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of calcinosis cutis manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus.
- It underscores the importance of considering calcinosis cutis in lupus patients, even with normal biochemical parameters.
- Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms driving calcinosis cutis in SLE.
