Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2026
08:43
Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
The vascular calcification-cutaneous necrosis syndrome
P R Dahl1, R K Winkelmann, S M Connolly
1Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Vascular calcification-cutaneous necrosis syndrome, a rare condition causing skin ulcers due to abnormal calcium metabolism, can be treated. Successful treatment in one patient involved parathyroidectomy and kidney transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Nephrology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Cutaneous vascular calcification is rare, unlike medial calcification of larger arteries in chronic kidney failure.
- This study focuses on the rare vascular calcification-cutaneous necrosis syndrome.
Observation:
- Three patients presented with ischemic necrotic ulcers and underlying cutaneous vascular calcification.
- Abnormal calcium metabolism, stemming from chronic kidney failure or excessive vitamin D intake, was the clinical setting.
- Patients exhibited tender livedoid nodules and ulcerative plaques on the thighs and legs.
Findings:
- Histologic examination confirmed vascular calcification in all patients.
- The syndrome typically presents a chronic course with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Subtotal parathyroidectomy and kidney transplantation led to complete resolution in one patient.
Implications:
- The vascular calcification-cutaneous necrosis syndrome has unique clinical and histopathologic features.
- The pathogenesis is likely multifactorial, involving complex interactions.
- While skin lesion treatment is primarily supportive, underlying metabolic correction may offer resolution.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Overview of the Vascular System
The vascular system comprises an extensive network of arteries, capillaries, and veins. The vascular system can be broadly divided into the blood and lymphatic systems. Typically, blood vessels can be categorized into three histological regions: tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica adventitia. The tunica intima consists of a single layer of endothelial cells attached to the basal lamina. Underlying the basal lamina is a connective tissue layer and an elastic lamina that gives stability and...
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Palpation involves feeling the body to evaluate texture, size, consistency, and tenderness for assessing cardiovascular health. The following steps are organized in a head-to-toe order:
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
01:21Cytotoxic Edema: Pathophysiology
Cytotoxic edema is a form of cerebral edema characterized by intracellular swelling of neurons, astrocytes, and other glial cells. It develops when the mechanisms responsible for maintaining ionic gradients across the cell membrane become impaired. Under normal physiological conditions, the sodium–potassium ATPase actively transports sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, preserving osmotic balance and enabling electrical signaling. This pump requires a continuous supply...