[Calciphylaxis: an uncertain pathogenesis and controversial treatment]

Abstract

Calciphylaxis is an uncommon but serious disease process that affects mainly patients with advanced renal failure. Calciphylaxis is characterized by dermal arteriolar calcification that leads to skin ulceration, necrosis, ischemia and secondary infection. The pathogenesis is poorly understood, although the calcium phosphorus product has been proposed as a major cause. Given the high morbidity and mortality rate, emphasis should be placed on prevention and early diagnosis of vascular calcification, as well as in prophylaxis of secondary infection. We present changing concepts in four patients receiving dialysis.