ECTOPIC CALCINOSIS POSSIBLY DUE TO 1-ALPHA (OH) VITAMIN-D-3 IN A PATIENT WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

A 30-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developed ectopic calcinosis. She had been receiving prednisolone since 1980 wit h the addition of vitamin D-3 in 1986. Despite this therapy, her renal function had gradually deteriorated Right gonalgia was noted in Septe mber 1991. X-ray findings revealed calcinosis of the arteries of the f emur, poplitea, cubitus, hands, and feet. Her finger pads and joint sa cs were also involved. Calcinosis seen in SLE has only rarely been rep orted, and that observed in association with vitamin D intoxication or arteriosclerosis has a different distribution of calcium deposits. Th e use of vitamin D-3 in our patient with renal disability may have ind uced calcinosis with a unique distribution.