Calcinosis cutis

Editor: unassigned

Deposition of calcium in the skin, with four subtypes: metastatic calcinosis (including calciphylaxis), dystrophic calcinosis, idiopathic calcinosis and iatrogenic calcinosis

Clinical Features:

Hard whitish nodules are typically seen.

Histologic Features:

In most causes of calcinosis cutis, the calcifications are predominantly deep dermal and subcutaneous, with less involvement of the superficial dermis.
Fibrosis and/or foreign body giant cell reaction may be present.
The "subepidermal calcified nodule" is a solitary lesion seen in infants, especially on the face. Microscopically, calcification is present immediately beneath the epidermis, which is acanthotic and hyperkeratotic.

Calciphylaxis:

Also known as: widespread calcification with vascular thrombosis, calcific uremic arteriopathy, calcifying panniculitis, vascular calcification-cutaneous necrosis syndrome

Clinical Features:

Complication of renal failure, especially when there is secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism
Painful violaceous lesions, most common on the trunk and extremities, which may progress to form ulcers and gangrene
Often fatal

Histologic Features:

Calcification of small to medium-sized dermal and subcutaneous blood vessels, often with secondary thrombosis
Necrosis of the skin and subcutis may ensue.

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