UREMIC TUMORAL CALCINOSIS - ACUTE HAND PRESENTATIONS MIMICKING INFECTION

Tumoral calcinosis is an uncommon condition of the hand characterized by deposition of calcium salts in the soft tissues of the extremities. The condition may be hereditary or acquired. Acquired tumoral calcino sis, also called tumoral calcification, is a rare manifestation of ren al osteodystrophy due to derangement in divalent ion metabolism. Two c hronic dialysis patients with tumoral calcification oi the hand are pr esented. These cases are unusual in their rapid onset of presentation, mimicking acute infection. Prompt recognition of the condition may al low early nonsurgical intervention to preserve function.