Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026
Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Extensive mesenteric dystrophic calcification in a patient with chronic enterocutaneous fistula
Gabriela A Calcano1, Mohamed H Khalaf2, Kishore R Iyer2
1Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
None:
A 42-year-old male developed a complex entero-cutaneous fistula (ECF) after surgery for diverticulitis, followed by multiple complications, ten additional procedures and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) dependence. Despite these interventions, the complex ECF persisted, and he was transferred to our care. Imaging revealed extensive mesenteric dystrophic calcifications, though lab values were normal. Intraoperatively, dense calcifications were found infiltrating mesenteric vessels and bowel serosa without perforation. The calcifications were carefully excised, preserving blood supply. A second-look surgery confirmed bowel viability, and continuity was restored with 190 cm of small bowel. Pathology showed dystrophic calcification and bone formation without malignancy. This rare case underscores the challenges of managing chronic ECF with extensive calcification and validates a conservative approach to ischemic bowel.
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