title: Calciphylaxis.
abstract: Calciphylaxis is defined by the presence of calcium deposits within the wall of small and medium-sized vessels. It is classically considered a life-threatening disease in patients with end-stage renal disease under dialysis. Clinically, it is characterized by the presence of painful plaques surrounded by a reticulate purpura that progresses to nonhealing ulcers, predominately in the lower limbs. It is associated with elevated parathyroid hormone levels and a dysregulation of the calcium/phosphate metabolism. In the absence of renal disease, normal parathyroid hormone levels, and calcium/phosphorus product, a good prognosis and the observation of similar calcium deposits associated with different conditions or even an epiphenomenon in diseases with well-known diagnosis leads one to consider the term calciphylaxis controversial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Diego de León, 62, 28006 Madrid, Spain. estebandauden@medynet.com
authors.forename: Esteban
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Daudén
authors.forename: María-Jesús
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Oñate
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002115:Calciphylaxis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D002130:Calcium Phosphates