Calcinosis cutis

Nawaz Usman

doi:10.4103/2321-4848.171949

TEACHING IMAGES

Year : 2015 | Volume : 3 | Issue : 2 | Page : 354-355

Calcinosis cutis

Nawaz Usman
Consultant General Surgeon, Madurai Medical College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

Date of Web Publication

16-Dec-2015

Correspondence Address:
Nawaz Usman
Consultant General Surgeon, Madurai Medical College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
India

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None

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DOI: 10.4103/2321-4848.171949

Abstract

Calcinosis cutis is a condition of accumulation of calcium salts within the dermis. The clinco-radiologic features of a 60 year old lady with idiopathic calcinosis cutis is reported. Emphasis on appropriate laboratory workup is crucial once the diagnosis of calcinosis cutis is established.

Keywords: Calcinosis cutis, dystrophic calcinosis, metastatic calcinosis

How to cite this article:
Usman N. Calcinosis cutis. Arch Med Health Sci 2015;3:354-5

How to cite this URL:
Usman N. Calcinosis cutis. Arch Med Health Sci [serial online] 2015 [cited 2022 Jan 25];3:354-5. Available from: https://www.amhsjournal.org/text.asp?2015/3/2/354/171949

Case Report

A 60-year-old lady presented to the surgical out-patient department (OPD) with a history of a mildly painful swelling in the right gluteal region since 8 years. Clinical examination revealed a non tender hard irregular mass of about 8 × 5 cm arising from the skin over the lateral aspect of the right gluteal region [Figure 1]. X-ray of the local part revealed irregular calcifications [Figure 2]. Blood workup for calcium and phosphorus were normal and malignant disorders, collagen vascular diseases, renal insufficiency, excessive milk ingestion, vitamin D intoxication were excluded by relevant investigations. A working diagnosis of idiopathic calcinosis cutis was made. The lesion was excised locally as per the patient's request and a split skin graft was used to cover the defect.

Figure 1: Clinical photograph of the lesion

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Figure 2: X-Ray of the local area showing calcium deposits

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Discussion

Calcinosis cutis is characterized by deposition of calcium in the skin. It can be of four types: dystrophic, metastatic, idiopathic, and iatrogenic. ^[1] Following clinical diagnosis of calcinosis cutis, a thorough laboratory workup must be carried out to detect the underlying cause. Excision of the lesion is recommended as it provides successful resolution and establishes the diagnosis. ^[2] However, surgical trauma itself may stimulate calcification and recurrences are not uncommon. ^[3]

References

1.	Reiter N, El-Sharbawi L, Leinweber B, Berghold A, Aberer E. Calcinosis cutis. Part I: Diagnostic pathway. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011;65:1-12.
2.	Gupta V S K, Balaga R R, Banik S K. Idiopathic Calcinosis cutis over elbow in a 12-year old child. Case reports in orthopedics. Vol. 2013, Article ID 241891, 4 pages, Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/241891 [Last accessed on 2014 Mar 18].
3.	Nunley J R, Jones L M E.(2013) Calcinosis cutis treatment & management. Available from: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1103137-treatment#showall [Last accessed on 2014 Feb 13].