title: Dystrophic calcification as a cause for non healing leg ulcers.
abstract: Despite advances in molecular biology and a repertoire of other therapeutic options, chronic venous leg ulcers remain a significant problem within our society. There are various reasons, both local and systemic, which contribute to the non healing nature of such wounds. Among them, dystrophic calcification (DC) or calcified deposits within the ulcer bed, although rare, is an overlooked and a seldom reported cause. In the presence of DC, wound healing cannot proceed through a timely and orderly manner resulting in a non healing ulcer. In this article, we discuss the aetiology, pathophysiology and the management options of this rarely reported condition. We also report their clinical prognosis using a series of patients with venous ulcers complicated by DC leading to difficulties in healing.
authors.affiliation: Wound Healing Research Unit, Cardiff University, Medicentre, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Enoch
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kupitz
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Keith G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Harding
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*