[Calciphylaxis, a life-threatening condition in dialysis patients]

Abstract

Background: Calcification can be seen vascular, peritoneal and also subcutaneous. Subcutaneous calcifications are seen in calciphylaxis, which is a rare but life-threatening condition with painful skin lesions and varying stages of skin necrosis, mostly described in patients on dialysis.

Case description: A 65-year old man presented at the emergency room with complaints of abdominal pain. He had a long history of chronic kidney disease, currently on hemodialysis after previous peritonitis from peritoneal dialysis. Physical examination shows painful plate-like areas of indurated skin on the abdomen with possible central spots of necrosis, suspicious for calciphylaxis. CT-scan showed calcifications on multiple sides. Unfortunately it was already in an advanced stage. He died a few days after hospitalization.

Conclusion: Recognition of calciphylaxis at an early stage is important to prevent and reduce mortality by elimination of risk factors, prevention of infection, pain relief, increasing frequency and length of dialysis, and administration of sodium thiosulfate.