Calciphylaxis: a cause of necrotic ulcers in renal failure.
BACKGROUND
Calciphylaxis is a rare and life-threatening condition occurring in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis. The diagnosis is frequently delayed or missed and therapy is often unsuccessful.


OBJECTIVE
The clinical and pathological components of calciphylaxis are emphasized in a patient that may facilitate early diagnosis and initiation of therapy.


RESULTS
Early recognition of the clinical signs and symptoms of calciphylaxis is crucial. The tissue diagnosis requires large elliptical biopsies because histological findings are segmental and often missed.


CONCLUSIONS
Early diagnosis and intervention in calciphylaxis is critical. Parathyroidectomy should be considered in all cases.
Kalaaji
A N
AN
Department of Dermatology Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA.
Douglass
M C
MC
Chaffins
M
M
Lowe
L
L
D001706:Biopsy; D002115:Calciphylaxis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology