PENILE CALCIPHYLAXIS

Calciphylaxis is a condition of cutaneous necrosis secondary to small- and medium-sized vessel calcification that may progress rapidly and i s often fatal. Patients with end-stage renal disease and hyperparathyr oidism are almost exclusively at risk. Only 1 case of penile involveme nt has been previously described. At our institution, a 56-year-old ma n with end-stage renal disease presented with penile calciphylaxis. Th e patient received a series of treatments including circumcision, part ial penectomy, amputation of necrotic phalanges, and a subtotal parath yroidectomy after which the patient's parathyroid hormone level normal ized and the disease progression abated. (C) 1997, Elsevier Science In c. All rights reserved.