Latent dystrophic subcutaneous calcification in patients with chronic venous insufficiency

Acta Derm Venereol. 2009;89(5):505-8. doi: 10.2340/00015555-0680.

Abstract

Dystrophic calcification in the skin occurs in association with a variety of disorders. To determine the association between subcutaneous calcification and chronic venous insufficiency, X-ray examinations were performed in 20 patients with chronic venous insufficiency and in 20 control subjects to detect latent calcification in their lower legs. Of the 20 patients, 13 (65%) had subcutaneous calcification, and the prevalence appeared to increase with disease duration, while only 4 control subjects (20%) had minimal calcification. Two types of calcification were identified based on their radiographic features: punctate and trabecular/reticular types. Patients with trabecular/reticular calcification had longer disease duration and more severe clinical scores than patients with punctate calcification. None of the control subjects had trabecular/reticular types of calcification. The identification of the presence and progression of latent calcification in the lower legs is useful, and may be necessary for the long-term management of chronic venous insufficiency, since calcification of skin tissues impedes wound healing and can be a risk factor for refractory ulcers.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy
  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Calcinosis / etiology*
  • Calcinosis / pathology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leg
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Skin Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Skin Diseases / etiology*
  • Skin Diseases / pathology
  • Subcutaneous Tissue / diagnostic imaging
  • Subcutaneous Tissue / pathology*
  • Time Factors
  • Venous Insufficiency / complications*
  • Venous Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Insufficiency / pathology