Calciphylaxis is a rare and potentially fatal disease that affects the subcutaneous layer of the skin. It is a calcific vasculopathy induced by a systemic process that causes occlusion of small blood vessels. The mortality rate for individuals diagnosed with calciphylaxis is estimated between 52% and 81% with sepsis being the leading cause of death. Uraemic calciphylaxis and its known effective treatments are well documented in the literature. Unfortunately, there is no known effective treatment for non-uraemic calciphylaxis. Most of the current treatments for non-uraemic calciphylaxis are derived from uraemic calciphylaxis treatment protocols. We report a case of a 75-year-old female with calciphylaxis on the right lower extremity who was successfully treated with four pamidronate infusions in addition to local wound care. This case represents a non-uraemic calciphylaxis wound successfully treated with pamidronate infusions and standard wound care, and suggests that IV pamidronate can be an effective treatment option.
Keywords: calcific arteriolopathy; leg ulcer; non-healing wound; sodium thiosulphate; vascular calcifications.
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