Calciphylaxis: a cause of necrotic ulcers in renal failure.

BACKGROUND: Calciphylaxis is a rare and life-threatening condition occurring in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis. The diagnosis is frequently delayed or missed and therapy is often unsuccessful.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical and pathological components of calciphylaxis are emphasized in a patient that may facilitate early diagnosis and initiation of therapy.

RESULTS: Early recognition of the clinical signs and symptoms of calciphylaxis is crucial. The tissue diagnosis requires large elliptical biopsies because histological findings are segmental and often missed.

CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and intervention in calciphylaxis is critical. Parathyroidectomy should be considered in all cases.