Calcinosis Cutis and Calciphylaxis

Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2015 Dec;106(10):785-94. doi: 10.1016/j.ad.2015.09.001. Epub 2015 Sep 26.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Calcinosis cutis (CC) is defined as the deposition of calcium salts in the skin. The condition is divided into 5 types: calciphylaxis and dystrophic, metastatic, idiopathic, and iatrogenic CC. Dystrophic CC is the most common form and usually occurs in association with autoimmune diseases. CC can be treated surgically or with the use of drugs such as diltiazem, bisphosphonates, warfarin, ceftriaxone, probenecid, minocycline, or aluminum hydroxide. Calciphylaxis is defined as calcification of the media of small- and medium-sized blood vessels in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Clinically, calciphylaxis causes livedo racemosa, which progresses to retiform purpura and skin necrosis. First-line treatment is with sodium thiosulfate. We present a review of the calcifying disorders of the skin, focusing on their diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: Calcificación cutánea; Calcifilaxis; Calcinosis cutis; Calciphylaxis; Cutaneous calcification; Sodium thiosulfate; Tiosulfato sódico.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / complications
  • Calcinosis* / classification
  • Calcinosis* / diagnosis
  • Calcinosis* / drug therapy
  • Calcinosis* / etiology
  • Calcinosis* / pathology
  • Calciphylaxis / diagnosis
  • Calciphylaxis / drug therapy
  • Calciphylaxis / surgery
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Collagen Diseases / complications
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Humans
  • Iatrogenic Disease
  • Phosphorus / metabolism
  • Skin Diseases* / classification
  • Skin Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases* / etiology
  • Skin Diseases* / pathology
  • Skin Diseases, Parasitic / complications
  • Thiosulfates / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Thiosulfates
  • Phosphorus
  • sodium thiosulfate
  • Calcium