Overview
Calciphylaxis is a rare and serious condition where calcium builds up in small blood vessels of the skin and fat, causing painful skin ulcers. It mostly affects people with kidney failure.
When to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for painful new skin lesions in kidney failure.
Causes and risk factors
Kidney failure on dialysis, high phosphate, warfarin, obesity and diabetes.
How it develops (pathophysiology)
Calcium deposits form in the walls of small arteries and clots block them. The skin and fat they supply lose blood flow and die, forming very painful ulcers that heal poorly.
Signs and symptoms
Extremely painful, purple or net-like patches that become black ulcers, often on the thighs or abdomen.
How it is diagnosed
Clinical appearance and skin biopsy.
Possible complications
Infection and sepsis.
Medicines
Sodium thiosulfate, stopping warfarin and managing calcium and phosphate.
Other treatments
Specialist wound care and pain control.
Living with it and prevention
Control phosphate and calcium in kidney failure.
Outlook
Serious, with a high risk of death.
