title: Photoletter to the editor - Calciphylaxis: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
abstract: Calciphylaxis is an uncommon necrotizing dermal condition, most often related to end-stage renal disease, associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism. The incidence is 1-4% per year in dialyzed patients. The condition is characterized by microcalcification of small and medium-sized blood vessels, causing cutaneous and soft tissue necrosis. The etiology of calciphylaxis is poorly understood, although many reports highlight the abnormal calcium-phosphate products as an important etiological factor. Calciphylaxis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality with estimated 5-year survival rates of less than 50%. Sepsis is the main cause of death. We report two patients of calciphylaxis treated with surgical debridement and excellent outcome in both cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal.
authors.forename: Hugo Marques
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Barreiros
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goulão
authors.forename: Henriqueta
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cunha
authors.forename: Elvira
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bártolo
keywords: calciphylaxis; calcium; kidney failure; surgical debridement; treatment; ulcer