Penile calciphylaxis

Abstract

Calciphylaxis is an uncommon condition usually seen in patients with end-stage renal disease. The typical features include violaceous skin lesions overlying painful, indurated, subcutaneous nodules. Necrosis and nonhealing ulcers, with secondary gangrene, sepsis, and death frequently follow. The outpatient hemodialysis population has a reported calciphylaxis prevalence of 1% to 4.1%; however, published studies contain only a few case reports of penile calciphylaxis. The urologic presentation consists primarily of penile gangrene. A description of our patient, the underlying pathologic features, a review of the relevant published studies, and the possible predisposing conditions are included.