[Calciphylaxis: a rare differential diagnosis of systemic vasculitis]

M Khellaf; J Wechsler; A-M Roucayrol; J-C Roujeau; B Godeau

doi:10.1016/j.revmed.2005.10.019

[Calciphylaxis: a rare differential diagnosis of systemic vasculitis]

Rev Med Interne. 2006 Mar;27(3):240-3. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2005.10.019. Epub 2005 Dec 9.

[Article in French]

Authors

M Khellaf¹, J Wechsler, A-M Roucayrol, J-C Roujeau, B Godeau

Affiliation

¹ Service de Médecine Interne, CHU Henri-Mondor, 51, avenue de Lattre-de-Tassigny, 94010 Créteil, France. mehdi.khellaf@hmn.aphp.fr

PMID: 16368166
DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2005.10.019

Abstract

Introduction: Calciphylaxis is a rare phenomenon of medium- and small-vessel calcifications leading to cutaneous necrosis mimicking vasculitis.

Case report: A 75 year-old-woman with chronic renal insufficiency was admitted for extensive cutaneous necrosis of the limb. Diagnosis of vasculitis was made, but inspite of corticosteroid therapy, the condition of the patient was worsening. After cutaneous biopsy, the diagnosis of calciphylaxis was established.

Conclusion: Calciphylaxis must be suspected in cases of cutaneous necrosis occurring in a patient with chronic renal failure. Treatment requires rapid normalization of phosphocalcic balance. It is a condition with high mortality.

Publication types

Case Reports
English Abstract

MeSH terms

Aged
Calciphylaxis / diagnosis*
Calciphylaxis / drug therapy
Calciphylaxis / etiology
Diagnosis, Differential
Fatal Outcome
Female
Humans
Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications*
Leg Ulcer / etiology
Vasculitis / diagnosis*