Calciphylaxis: The potential diagnostic role of radiologists.
Title
Calciphylaxis: The potential diagnostic role of radiologists.
Creator
Burdorf BT
Publisher
Radiology Case Reports
Date
2021
2021-03
Description
Calciphylaxis is a deadly disease that is currently diagnosed through a skin biopsy of resultant necrotic lesions despite many cases lacking this characteristic finding. Recently, research has demonstrated the ability of various radiologic techniques to detect calciphylaxis and have promoted their capabilities in earlier diagnosis without tissue invasion. In this case, an obese 55-year-old female with end stage renal disease, and a long history of dialysis, complained of weeks of persistent abdominal pain that was accompanied by a mottled, lacey, net-like rash that resembled livedo reticularis. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed extensive arterial calcification and subcutaneous calcium deposition. These radiologic findings, coupled to a high clinical suspicion, prompted treatment for suspected calciphylaxis. Remarkably, after 1 week the patient reported substantial improvement. Hopefully, this publication in conjunction with previous and future research will raise awareness on the role Radiologists can play in expediting the diagnostic process for a lethal disease, especially when a tissue biopsy is not a feasible option.
Subject
Abdominal pain; Acinetobacter baumannii; Calcific uremic arteriolopathy; Calciphylaxis; Calcium acetate; Cinacalcet; Livedo reticularis; Radiology; Splenic infarction
Identifier
Rights
Article information provided for research and reference use only. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
Format
journalArticle
URL Address
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Pages
415-418
Issue
3
Volume
16
ISSN
1930-0433
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Update Year & Number
January 2021 List
Citation
Burdorf BT, “Calciphylaxis: The potential diagnostic role of radiologists.,” NEOMED Bibliography Database, accessed April 25, 2024, https://neomed.omeka.net/items/show/11505.