Calciphylaxis: A Rare Clinical Presentation in a Patient with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Adedeji Okikiade *
Clinical sciences, California Northstate University, Elk-Groove, California, USA.
Twanna Browne-Caesar
Caribbean Kidney and Medical Center, Arnos Vale, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Olayinka Afolayan-Oloye
Department of Physiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Los Angeles, USA.
Rasheed Agboola
Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, South Georgia, Georgia, USA.
Kevin Browne
All Saint University, College of Medicine, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Calciphylaxis, also known as calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA), affects small arteries of the skin in patients with end-stage renal failure, dialysis patients, and patients with hypercalcemia. The condition is characterized by the calcification of small blood vessels leading to skin necrosis without inflammation. It is frequently complicated by superimposed infection and bleeding and has a high mortality rate.
The rare condition is yet to be documented on the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The authors have, therefore, made efforts to document, educate, and discuss this rare presentation in a 65-year-old local Vincentian male with 30 years history of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and hypertension who commenced hemodialysis two years prior to the presentation for end-stage chronic renal failure. With the increasing incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and complications of chronic kidney disease, and renal failure, this article is written as a case study with a concise literature review on calciphylaxis to provide continuing medical education and increase the level of awareness among medical students and index of suspicion among healthcare providers.
Keywords: Calciphylaxis, calcific uremic arteriopathy, end-stage renal failure, Diabetes mellitus, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Thiosulphate