Nonuremic Calciphylaxis Associated With Hypercalcemia and Rheumatologic Diseases

Abstract

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy, termed calciphylaxis, was previously considered a condition that developed mostly in patients requiring dialysis. It has now been described in kidney transplant patients, in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients not requiring dialysis, and in individuals with maintained kidney function. We describe an individual with CKD stage 3b with hypercalcemia who presented with features highly specific for calciphylaxis based on results of a skin biopsy. The condition has high morbidity and mortality, and thus prompts immediate cessation of the offending agents or treatment of the cause. The following case and literature review demonstrates a need for a detailed assessment of patients’ risks and exposures and expanding the differential diagnosis to include calciphylaxis in nonuremic patients with necrotic ulcers with a plan for early imaging and possible biopsy.