Patterns of vascular calcification in patients with end‐stage renal disease and calcific uremic arteriolopathy

Abstract

Key Clinical MessageCalcific uremic arteriolopathy or calciphylaxis is a rare and potentially fatal condition, which manifests as skin ischemia and necrosis, usually seen in patients with end‐stage renal disease. It is frequently associated with vascular calcification visible on plain radiographs, which can occur in various patterns.

Calcific olecranon bursitis in end-stage renal disease

“…ESRD is a known risk factor for extra-osseous calcification and infection [1]. Significant increase in bursal calcification in our patient was temporally associated with initiation of dialysis, which may be attributed to 'hidden' or 'transient' hypercalcemia in the setting of exposure to higher dialysate calcium concentrations [2].…”

A Middle‐Aged Woman With Necrotic Breast Lesions

“…They may become superinfected. Vascular calcifications in calciphylaxis can occur at sites outside of the subcutaneous adipose and dermis, and radiographic imaging can detect them (48). Our patient had extensive vascular calcifications observed on her mammogram.…”

Classic Lesion, Not-So-Classic Cause

“…Calciphylaxis and vascular calcification are thought to be a continuum of extra-skeletal osteogenesis; various locations and patterns of calcifications have been reported, the most common locations being in the lower extremities and the abdomen. 1,2 Though uncommon, calciphylaxis has been reported in patients without advanced chronic kidney disease; primary hyperparathyroidism and connective tissue diseases are among the most common causes of nonuremic calciphylaxis. 3,4 Management of this condition is challenging, and mortality rates remain high despite adequate risk factor control and intensive wound care.…”