Calciphylaxis treated with neurolytic lumbar sympathetic block: case report and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
Calciphylaxis is a painful complication of end-stage renal disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Calcification most commonly affects skin and soft tissue of the lower extremities resulting in excruciatingly painful skin ulcers. Treatment involves correction of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, parathyroidectomy, and supportive measures.


METHODS
The literature and the merits of neurolytic lumbar sympathetic blockade (LSB) for the treatment of pain associated with calciphylaxis are reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
The neurolytic LSB provided pain relief and is a treatment modality to be considered in managing the pain associated with calciphylaxis.
Green
J A
JA
Multidisciplinary Pain Center, the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
Green
C R
CR
Minott
S D
SD
D001340:Autonomic Nerve Block; D002115:Calciphylaxis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006962:Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary / Q000150:complications; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects