Open AccessCalciphylaxis associated with widespread pulmonary calcification
Author(s) -
Tarvinder Dhanjal,
Suresh B Babu,
Gareth Beevers,
R E Ferner
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
bmj case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1757-790X
DOI - 10.1136/bcr.09.2008.0880
Subject(s) - calciphylaxis , medicine , calcification , rare disease , hyperparathyroidism , pulmonary vasculature , disease , incidence (geometry) , surgery , lung , physics , optics
We report a patient with Crohn's disease and end-stage renal failure, which resulted in severe vitamin D deficiency and hyperparathyroidism. This resulted in the development of calciphylaxis, which initially manifested as pulmonary vasculature calcification; however, the diagnosis was not clear until the classic skin lesions had developed. Calciphylaxis is a rare condition, which is increasing in incidence, and a high index of suspicion is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. This condition is associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality and, indeed, our patient died within 7 days of diagnosis.