title: Cutaneous ectopic breast calcification in a haemodialysis patient.
abstract: This case report details the unique breast calcification and swellings of a 61-year-old lady. The ectopic breast calcification was a result of chronic renal failure and hyperparathyroidism secondary to vesiculo-ureteric reflux nephropathy. Subcutaneous nodules were also noted around her ileostomy (from surgery due to Crohn's disease) and abdominal wall. Mammogram revealed calcified breast discs and lobules with extensive vascular calcification. Histological biopsies revealed extensive calcium deposition (benign). Cutaneous deposition of calcium oxalate has been described in 13 patients world wide, usually involving fingers, ears, or nose. Two of these report breast involvement, but this is described as less extensive and more focal calcification on clinical findings and mammography. This case report describes a rare condition with extraordinary mammographic images.
authors.affiliation: Queens Hospital, Belvedere Road, Burton Upon Trent, Staffordshire DE13 0RB, UK.
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Cowlam
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Bucknall
mesh_terms: D001940:Breast; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*