Systemic calciphylaxis.
An 11-year-old male developed systemic calciphylaxis during induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. His predisposing conditions were hypercalcemia, supplements for pamidronate-induced hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia and renal insufficiency. He died of cardiorespiratory arrest on the 20th day of induction treatment. Autopsy revealed extensive calcium deposits in the heart, lungs and kidneys. He had diffused alveolar damage, acute tubular necrosis, chronic pancreatitis and marked hepatic steatosis. Systemic calcium deposition may progress rapidly in children with hypercalcemia of malignancy. Since pamidronate reduces mineral resorption from tissues, calcium and phosphate replacements increase systemic mineral deposits. Thus, mineral supplements should be considered only to combat symptoms.
Suryadevara
Manika
M
Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA.
Schurman
Scott J
SJ
Landas
Steve K
SK
Philip
Abraham
A
Gerlach
Christopher B
CB
Tavares
Trisha
T
Souid
Abdul-Kader
AK
D001344:Autopsy; D002115:Calciphylaxis / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000097:blood; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010758:Phosphorus; D002118:Calcium