[Calciphylaxis]

Abstract

Calciphylaxis (calcific uremic arteriolopathy, CUA) is a rare disease at the interface of nephrology, dermatology and cardiovascular medicine. CUA typically occurs in chronic dialysis patients. However, anecdotal reports also exist about cases in patients without relevant kidney disease. Clinically CUA is characterized by the stepwise development of superficial painful sensations and cutaneous lesions similar to livedo reticularis. Skin necrosis and ulceration represent the full-blown, "late" clinical picture. Panniculitis and circumferential calcification of cutaneous arterioles dominate the histological picture together with endothelial detachment. The prognosis of CUA is poor due to high morbidity and mortality largely resulting from underlying cardiovascular disease or septicemia. The aetiology of CUA is incompletely understood. Previous oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists is considered as a risk factor. Unfortunately, evidence-based therapeutic options are absent, since controlled treatment trials have not been conducted yet. Long-term pain and wound management are mandatory. In the absence of controlled prospective trials registry studies such as the German CUA registry (www.calciphylaxis.net) support data collecting and analysis upon good clinical practice and may stimulate exchange of expertise and networking.