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Calciphylaxis: Comparison of radiologic imaging and histopathology
Charles L Halasz1, David P Munger2, Heather Frimmer2
1Department of Dermatology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; Department of Medicine, Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk, Connecticut.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|March 14, 2017
Summary
Radiology imaging can detect small-vessel calcification in calciphylaxis, similar to skin biopsy. This may speed up diagnosis when biopsy results are delayed or unavailable.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Dermatopathology
Background:
- Calciphylaxis diagnosis relies on skin biopsy showing calcification in small arteries.
- Histopathology is the current gold standard for identifying vascular calcification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the vessel diameters of calcification detected in skin biopsies versus radiology images in calciphylaxis patients.
- To evaluate the utility of non-invasive imaging in diagnosing calciphylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of seven patients with confirmed calciphylaxis from 2009-2016.
- Comparison of vascular calcification findings between skin biopsy specimens and radiology images (plain films, mammography, CT).
Main Results:
- Radiology identified small-vessel calcification (0.1-0.3 mm) comparable to histopathology.
- Plain films detected calcification down to 0.3 mm, mammography to 0.2 mm, and CT to 0.2 mm.
Conclusions:
- Radiologic imaging shows potential for diagnosing calciphylaxis.
- Imaging may offer a faster diagnostic alternative when skin biopsy is unavailable or pending.
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