Complete reversal of tumoral calcinosis after subtotal parathyroidectomy in a hemodialysis patient

Abstract

Introduction: Tumoral calcinosis is a rare complication of chronic hemodialysis whose mechanism is incompletely understood. The treatment is challenging and should target the main precipitating factors, most notably secondary hyperparathyroidism and calcium-phosphate (Ca x P) product elevation.

Case report: In this 41-year-old patient, tumoral calcinosis developed in the right hip and subacromial bursa of the right shoulder after 3 years of chronic hemodialysis. Laboratory tests showed hyperparathyroidism with Ca x P elevation. Subtotal parathyroidectomy was performed. Eight months later, there was no evidence of tumoral calcinosis at either of the previously affected sites.

Conclusion: The effectiveness of parathyroidectomy in our patient underlies the key role played by secondary hyperparathyroidism in the pathogenesis of tumoral calcinosis complicating hemodialysis.