Calciphylaxis mimicking ecthyma gangrenosum

Calciphylaxis is a rare cutaneous disease that may cause fatal complications in patients on long-term dialysis. Early diagnosis and proper management decrease complications. However, it can mimic cutaneous infections, especially ecthyma gangrenosum and cutaneous vasculitis. The authors report on a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis for 10 years who developed painful skin necrosis on his right thigh. The tissue culture was positive for Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but the histopathology was compatible with calciphylaxis. This report aims to further the knowledge of physicians in order to help them recognize calciphylaxis in CKD patients with painful necrotic ulcers.