Sudden onset of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a long standing chronic haemodialysis patient with lung calcification

Patients with end-stage renal failure treated by haemodialysis have a marked increased risk for cardiovascular death. These patients have both an accelerated form of arteriosclerosis with calcification in atheromatous intimal plaques and also medial calcification due to Monckeberg’s. In extreme cases soft tissue calcification can lead to calciphylaxis resulting in skin ulceration, amputation and death. The present case describes a less frequently encountered problem due to vascular and soft tissue calcification, which presents management challenges to the renal physician.