Tumoral calcinosis in infants: a report of three cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Tumoral calcinosis is the deposition of calcium crystals and salts in the periarticular soft tissues. It commonly is seen as a complication of renal dialysis or in patients with a hereditary disposition. Occasionally, it is seen as an isolated condition with no known cause. Tumoral calcinosis usually affects adults and rarely, children. This disorder is extremely uncommon in infants. Only 13 cases have been reported. In this study three additional infants with tumoral calcinosis are reported, bringing the total to 16 cases. These 16 cases provide the opportunity to compare tumoral calcinosis in infants (younger than 18 months) with the disease in older patients. Although histologic and radiologic features in infants and adults are identical, some clinical features differ. In almost all infants, the disease develops without any predisposing factors, such as a family history. Surgical removal of lesions in infants is curative. By contrast, lesions in adults tend to recur after surgery.