Calcinosis cutis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Calcinosis cutis | |||
| image = [[File:Calcinosis_cutis_--_low_mag.jpg|left|thumb|Calcinosis cutis under low magnification]] | |||
| caption = Histological image of calcinosis cutis | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = Cutaneous calcification | |||
| symptoms = Hard, white or yellowish nodules on the skin | |||
| complications = [[Ulceration]], [[infection]] | |||
| onset = Varies depending on underlying cause | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = [[Hypercalcemia]], [[chronic kidney disease]], [[autoimmune disorders]] | |||
| risks = [[Scleroderma]], [[dermatomyositis]], [[lupus]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Skin biopsy]], [[imaging studies]] | |||
| differential = [[Gout]], [[pseudogout]], [[lipoma]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgical excision]], [[medications]] | |||
| medication = [[Diltiazem]], [[warfarin]], [[bisphosphonates]] | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
== Calcinosis Cutis == | == Calcinosis Cutis == | ||
[[File:Calcinosis_cutis.jpg|left|thumb|Calcinosis cutis]] | |||
[[File:Calcinosis_cutis.jpg|thumb|Calcinosis cutis]] | |||
'''Calcinosis cutis''' is a condition characterized by the deposition of insoluble [[calcium]] salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. This condition can occur in various forms and is often associated with underlying systemic diseases. | '''Calcinosis cutis''' is a condition characterized by the deposition of insoluble [[calcium]] salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. This condition can occur in various forms and is often associated with underlying systemic diseases. | ||
== Classification == | == Classification == | ||
Calcinosis cutis is classified into several types based on the underlying cause: | Calcinosis cutis is classified into several types based on the underlying cause: | ||
=== Dystrophic Calcinosis === | === Dystrophic Calcinosis === | ||
Dystrophic calcinosis occurs in the presence of normal serum calcium and phosphate levels. It is often associated with damaged or necrotic tissue. Common causes include [[connective tissue diseases]] such as [[systemic sclerosis]], [[dermatomyositis]], and [[lupus erythematosus]]. | Dystrophic calcinosis occurs in the presence of normal serum calcium and phosphate levels. It is often associated with damaged or necrotic tissue. Common causes include [[connective tissue diseases]] such as [[systemic sclerosis]], [[dermatomyositis]], and [[lupus erythematosus]]. | ||
=== Metastatic Calcinosis === | === Metastatic Calcinosis === | ||
Metastatic calcinosis results from elevated serum calcium or phosphate levels, leading to calcium deposition in normal tissues. This type is often seen in conditions such as [[hyperparathyroidism]], [[chronic kidney disease]], and [[sarcoidosis]]. | Metastatic calcinosis results from elevated serum calcium or phosphate levels, leading to calcium deposition in normal tissues. This type is often seen in conditions such as [[hyperparathyroidism]], [[chronic kidney disease]], and [[sarcoidosis]]. | ||
=== Idiopathic Calcinosis === | === Idiopathic Calcinosis === | ||
Idiopathic calcinosis occurs without any identifiable underlying metabolic disorder. It is often localized and can occur in otherwise healthy individuals. | Idiopathic calcinosis occurs without any identifiable underlying metabolic disorder. It is often localized and can occur in otherwise healthy individuals. | ||
=== Iatrogenic Calcinosis === | === Iatrogenic Calcinosis === | ||
Iatrogenic calcinosis is caused by medical interventions, such as the extravasation of calcium-containing solutions during intravenous therapy. | Iatrogenic calcinosis is caused by medical interventions, such as the extravasation of calcium-containing solutions during intravenous therapy. | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
The pathophysiology of calcinosis cutis involves the deposition of calcium salts, primarily [[calcium phosphate]], in the skin. This can occur due to local tissue damage, abnormal calcium metabolism, or a combination of both. The deposited calcium can form nodules, plaques, or even large masses, leading to skin ulceration and secondary infection. | The pathophysiology of calcinosis cutis involves the deposition of calcium salts, primarily [[calcium phosphate]], in the skin. This can occur due to local tissue damage, abnormal calcium metabolism, or a combination of both. The deposited calcium can form nodules, plaques, or even large masses, leading to skin ulceration and secondary infection. | ||
== Clinical Presentation == | == Clinical Presentation == | ||
Patients with calcinosis cutis may present with firm, whitish nodules or plaques on the skin. These lesions are often asymptomatic but can become painful if they ulcerate or become infected. The distribution of lesions varies depending on the underlying cause, with common sites including the [[extremities]], [[joints]], and [[buttocks]]. | Patients with calcinosis cutis may present with firm, whitish nodules or plaques on the skin. These lesions are often asymptomatic but can become painful if they ulcerate or become infected. The distribution of lesions varies depending on the underlying cause, with common sites including the [[extremities]], [[joints]], and [[buttocks]]. | ||
[[File:Calcinosis_cutis_--_low_mag.jpg|left|thumb|Calcinosis cutis under low magnification]] | |||
[[File:Calcinosis_cutis_--_low_mag.jpg|thumb|Calcinosis cutis under low magnification]] | |||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
The diagnosis of calcinosis cutis is primarily clinical, supported by histopathological examination of skin biopsies. Imaging studies such as [[X-rays]] or [[CT scans]] can help assess the extent of calcification. Laboratory tests may be conducted to evaluate serum calcium and phosphate levels, especially in cases suspected of metastatic calcinosis. | The diagnosis of calcinosis cutis is primarily clinical, supported by histopathological examination of skin biopsies. Imaging studies such as [[X-rays]] or [[CT scans]] can help assess the extent of calcification. Laboratory tests may be conducted to evaluate serum calcium and phosphate levels, especially in cases suspected of metastatic calcinosis. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment of calcinosis cutis focuses on managing the underlying cause and alleviating symptoms. Options include: | Treatment of calcinosis cutis focuses on managing the underlying cause and alleviating symptoms. Options include: | ||
* '''Medical Therapy''': Medications such as [[diltiazem]], [[warfarin]], and [[bisphosphonates]] may be used to reduce calcium deposition. | * '''Medical Therapy''': Medications such as [[diltiazem]], [[warfarin]], and [[bisphosphonates]] may be used to reduce calcium deposition. | ||
* '''Surgical Intervention''': Surgical removal of calcified nodules may be necessary in severe cases. | * '''Surgical Intervention''': Surgical removal of calcified nodules may be necessary in severe cases. | ||
* '''Lifestyle Modifications''': Patients are advised to avoid trauma to affected areas and maintain good skin hygiene. | * '''Lifestyle Modifications''': Patients are advised to avoid trauma to affected areas and maintain good skin hygiene. | ||
== Calcinosis Cutis in Animals == | == Calcinosis Cutis in Animals == | ||
[[File:Calcinosis_cutis_dog.jpg|left|thumb|Calcinosis cutis in a dog]] | |||
[[File:Calcinosis_cutis_dog.jpg|thumb|Calcinosis cutis in a dog]] | |||
Calcinosis cutis can also occur in animals, particularly in dogs. It is often associated with [[Cushing's syndrome]] or prolonged use of corticosteroids. The clinical presentation in animals is similar to that in humans, with firm, calcified nodules on the skin. | Calcinosis cutis can also occur in animals, particularly in dogs. It is often associated with [[Cushing's syndrome]] or prolonged use of corticosteroids. The clinical presentation in animals is similar to that in humans, with firm, calcified nodules on the skin. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Calcium metabolism]] | * [[Calcium metabolism]] | ||
* [[Connective tissue disease]] | * [[Connective tissue disease]] | ||
* [[Hypercalcemia]] | * [[Hypercalcemia]] | ||
* [[Skin biopsy]] | * [[Skin biopsy]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Calcium metabolism disorders]] | [[Category:Calcium metabolism disorders]] | ||
Latest revision as of 21:07, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Calcinosis cutis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Cutaneous calcification |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Hard, white or yellowish nodules on the skin |
| Complications | Ulceration, infection |
| Onset | Varies depending on underlying cause |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Hypercalcemia, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disorders |
| Risks | Scleroderma, dermatomyositis, lupus |
| Diagnosis | Skin biopsy, imaging studies |
| Differential diagnosis | Gout, pseudogout, lipoma |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Surgical excision, medications |
| Medication | Diltiazem, warfarin, bisphosphonates |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Calcinosis Cutis[edit]
Calcinosis cutis is a condition characterized by the deposition of insoluble calcium salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. This condition can occur in various forms and is often associated with underlying systemic diseases.
Classification[edit]
Calcinosis cutis is classified into several types based on the underlying cause:
Dystrophic Calcinosis[edit]
Dystrophic calcinosis occurs in the presence of normal serum calcium and phosphate levels. It is often associated with damaged or necrotic tissue. Common causes include connective tissue diseases such as systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, and lupus erythematosus.
Metastatic Calcinosis[edit]
Metastatic calcinosis results from elevated serum calcium or phosphate levels, leading to calcium deposition in normal tissues. This type is often seen in conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and sarcoidosis.
Idiopathic Calcinosis[edit]
Idiopathic calcinosis occurs without any identifiable underlying metabolic disorder. It is often localized and can occur in otherwise healthy individuals.
Iatrogenic Calcinosis[edit]
Iatrogenic calcinosis is caused by medical interventions, such as the extravasation of calcium-containing solutions during intravenous therapy.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The pathophysiology of calcinosis cutis involves the deposition of calcium salts, primarily calcium phosphate, in the skin. This can occur due to local tissue damage, abnormal calcium metabolism, or a combination of both. The deposited calcium can form nodules, plaques, or even large masses, leading to skin ulceration and secondary infection.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Patients with calcinosis cutis may present with firm, whitish nodules or plaques on the skin. These lesions are often asymptomatic but can become painful if they ulcerate or become infected. The distribution of lesions varies depending on the underlying cause, with common sites including the extremities, joints, and buttocks.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of calcinosis cutis is primarily clinical, supported by histopathological examination of skin biopsies. Imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans can help assess the extent of calcification. Laboratory tests may be conducted to evaluate serum calcium and phosphate levels, especially in cases suspected of metastatic calcinosis.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of calcinosis cutis focuses on managing the underlying cause and alleviating symptoms. Options include:
- Medical Therapy: Medications such as diltiazem, warfarin, and bisphosphonates may be used to reduce calcium deposition.
- Surgical Intervention: Surgical removal of calcified nodules may be necessary in severe cases.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Patients are advised to avoid trauma to affected areas and maintain good skin hygiene.
Calcinosis Cutis in Animals[edit]
Calcinosis cutis can also occur in animals, particularly in dogs. It is often associated with Cushing's syndrome or prolonged use of corticosteroids. The clinical presentation in animals is similar to that in humans, with firm, calcified nodules on the skin.
