Clinico-cytomorphological Spectrum of Calcinosis Cutis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pathology
• Cytopathology

Background:

• Calcinosis cutis is characterized by calcium deposition in the skin.
• It can clinically mimic other soft tissue or bony lesions.
• Presentation varies widely across affected individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the clinical and cytomorphologic characteristics of calcinosis cutis.
• To evaluate the utility of fine needle aspiration cytology in diagnosing calcinosis cutis.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 17 cases diagnosed with calcinosis cutis via fine needle aspiration cytology.
• Analysis of clinical data and cytological smear findings.

Main Results:

• The study included adult and pediatric patients with painless swellings in various body regions.
• Aspirates consistently appeared chalky white and paste-like.
• Cytology revealed amorphous crystalline calcium deposits alongside inflammatory cells like histiocytes, lymphocytes, and multinucleated giant cells.

Conclusions:

• Calcinosis cutis exhibits diverse clinical presentations.
• Fine needle aspiration cytology is an effective, minimally invasive diagnostic tool for calcinosis cutis.
• This method can obviate the need for more invasive biopsy procedures.