IDIOPATHIC CALCINOSIS OF THE SCROTUM - REPORT OF 5 CASES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Although calcinosis of the scrotum was first described in 1883 by Lewi nski [1] its nature and cause have remained elusive. Hutchinson in 188 8 [2], emphasized that these calcific masses appear with no evidence o f underlying cause. Various theories regarding the etiology and pathog enesis of the condition have been proposed, non has been widely accept ed. ''Idiopathic scrotal calcinosis'' (ICS), a term applied by Shapiro in 1970 [3], is most commonly used. About 118 cases have been reporte d. A series of five cases is reported in which scrotal calcinosis deve loped. A review of the literature and a discussion on the etiology in this disease is also included.