Calciphylaxis of the temporal artery masquerading as temporal arteritis

Abstract

We describe a case of a 75-year-old man with diabetes type II and end-stage renal disease, presenting with a one-month history of blurring of vision in the left eye. Fundus exam showed pale and swollen optic nerve in the left eye, and temporal artery biopsy showed diffuse and extensive calcification at the internal elastic lamina and media. Biopsy of dusky erythematous lesions over the calves revealed the diagnosis of calciphylaxis. The temporal artery calcific lesions should hence be differentiated from the less extensive atherosclerotic changes, which mainly affect the media of the artery, as it is crucial to suspect this life-threatening diagnosis in patients at risk. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.