Calciphylaxis: a case study with differential diagnosis.
Calciphylaxis is a relatively rare, but horribly disfiguring, skin condition that is most often associated with end-stage renal disease and long-term dialysis. Unfortunately, calciphylaxis-related morbidity and mortality are significant. The case study presented demonstrates many of the findings associated with the  typical  calciphylaxis patient; end-stage renal disease and an extensive, painful ulcer. The complexity of the patient s history and medical/surgical interventions, especially medication therapy with coumadin and heparin, complicated initial diagnostic processes. Close scrutiny of multiple physical assessment findings, historical factors, and test results was required for correct diagnosis. Crucial components of differential diagnosis of calciphylaxis versus coumadin-induced skin necrosis or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia necrosis include: patient history and characteristics, clinical presentation, and diagnostic test results.
School of Nursing, La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. beitz@lasalle.edu
Janice M
JM
Beitz
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D002115:Calciphylaxis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018450:Disease Progression; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000209:etiology*; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D014859:Warfarin / Q000009:adverse effects
D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin; D006493:Heparin