Skin, Calciphylaxis [LMP73303]

LMP73303 Thumbnail
View the Zoomify Image
Image Details
Diagnostic Modality: 
Whole Slide Image
Disease Category: 
Cellular Responses to Stress and Toxic Insults: Adaptation, Injury, and Death
Diagnosis: 
Calciphylaxis
Species: 
Human
Organ System: 
Skin
Gender: 
Female
Age: 
92 years
Diagnosis Code: 
ICD-10: E83.5
Slide Contributor Information
Pun, C., Sade, S.

Keywords

calciphylaxis, vascular calcification, thrombosis, hyperparathyroidism, uremic gangrene syndrome, calcific uremic arteriolopathy, calcifying panniculitis

Clinical History

Skin biopsy of the right posterior calf from a 92 year-old female.

Clinical Discussion

Calciphylaxis (also known as uremic gangrene syndrome, calcific uremic arteriolopathy, calcifying panniculitis) is a rare condition that typically occurs in patients with chronic renal insufficiency associated with secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Clinically, these lesions present as painful violaceous nodules or necrotic ulcers in the lower extremities and trunk.

Histologically, calcification of the intima and media of large vessels and capillaries within the dermis and subcuteanous tissue is seen. Luminal occlusion by calcium thrombi leads to progressive cutaneous necrosis and ulceration. The von Kossa and alizarin red stains can be used to highlight calcium deposits.

Prognosis of calciphylaxis is generally poor, with gangrene and sepsis as the most common cause of mortality.