Increasing use of azoles combined with corticosteroids in Denmark

Calcinosis cutis (CC), the deposit of insoluble calcium salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissues, is a rare condition that occurs in autoimmune connective tissue diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc), dermatomyositis and in non-connective tissue diseases (non-CTD), particularly in patients with calciphylaxis and nephropathy, and in chronic ulcers. CC causes significant morbidity and impacts quality of life. This study evaluated CC management strategies of patients in a clinical setting.

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at a university dermatology department in Denmark. We analysed all patients diagnosed with CC during 2019-2024 regarding CC distribution, treatment and follow-up, with data extracted from medical records.

CC was diagnosed in 49 patients and was most prevalent in SSc. Lesions were located on fingers, elbows and other joints - often in areas prone to trauma. In non-CTD, most patients were diagnosed with nephropathy (50%) and chronic ulcers (70%). Sodium thiosulfate (STS) was the most frequently used treatment (87.8%). STS showed a positive effect in 30% of patients, 20% experienced no improvement and 2% experienced an adverse effect, but 48% had missing data. Surgical excision was performed in 13.9% and CO2 laser in 8.3%.

CC management remains challenging. In non-CTD cases, CC is associated with nephropathy and chronic ulcers. SSc patients with CC present with multiple lesions, primarily on trauma-prone sites. STS shows promising effects on CC burden and pain, but more robust treatment-efficacy studies are warranted.

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Not relevant.