Calciphylaxis associated with end stage kidney disease’s patient and low bone turnover: A case report

Abstract

Calciphylaxis is an uncommon and potentially life-threatening condition of vascular calcification in end-stage kidney disease characterized by the occlusion of micro vessels in the subcutaneous fat and dermis. It is usually associated with poorly controlled chronic kidney disease associated mineral and bone disorders. Early recognition of calciphylaxis relies on heightened clinical awareness of the presence of painful skin lesions in an adipose tissue-rich area. Here we report the case of a hemodialysis patient with low turnover disease who presented with chronic, non-resolving, painful ulcers on the left thigh and left leg for 2 months. Prompt multi-modal treatment and a multi-disciplinary approach were taken together to prevent the devastating outcome. However, our patient denied invasive surgical intervention, causing fatal septicemia. This case emphasizes that early identification and surgical intervention are important to avoid the high morbidity and mortality associated with calciphylaxis.