Calciphylaxis: Ischemic Tissue necrosis in chronic renal failure

Calciphylaxis is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication in ch ronic renal failure. It is characterized by ischemic tissue necrosis primar ily of the skin. The typical histopathologic finding is microvascular calci fication with endovascular fibrosis. Patients typically present with violac eous, mottled and painful lesions which tend to progress to non-healing ulc ers and necrosis. Most frequently the lower extremities are involved in a s ymmetric fashion but the trunk may also be affected. Sepsis from superinfec tion of thelesions accounts for the high mortality of this disease which is of importance for dermatologists and nephrologists alike. 61-year-old fema le patient developed lesions of calciphylaxis on both carves two years afte r beginning hemodialysis to treat renal failure due to diabetic glomerulosc lerosis. We discuss aspects of the pathogenesis of calciphylaxis, as well a s diagnosis, treatment and means of preventions,and review the current lite rature.