Extensive Visceral Calciphylaxis in a Patient with End-stage Renal Disease: A Postmortem Revelation

Calciphylaxis is a rare, life-threatening condition in end-stage renal disease, often presenting with skin ulcers and potentially involving the internal organs. A 62-year-old man undergoing hemodialysis developed non-healing leg ulcers that were initially treated for cellulitis. The diagnosis was confirmed through a biopsy after ulceration and necrosis progressed. Despite multidisciplinary treatment, the patient died because of sepsis and intestinal perforation. Autopsy revealed extensive visceral calciphylaxis, highlighting the under-recognized systemic nature of the disease. This case emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and an early diagnosis as well as the role of autopsies in understanding calciphylaxis, particularly its potential to involve visceral organs, which may be underrecognized.