Calcifilaxis

Abstract

Calciphylaxis or the vascular calcification-cutaneous necrosis syndrome is a serious complication in patients suffering from chronic kidney failure requiring dialysis and those having undergone renal transplantation. Clinical picture consists of tender subcutaneous nodules and reticulated, ecchymotic, necrotic plaques and ulcers in a livedoid pattern predominantly on the buttocks and lower extremities. Histopathologic study demonstrates medial calcification and intimal hyperplasia of the arterial walls. We report on a patient who had chronic renal failure and developed ecchymotic and necrotic plaques in a livedoid pattern on the buttocks, lower extremities, abdomen and penis. Histopathologic study showed, besides vascular calcification, perineural calcification.