Deposition of calcium in the skin, with four subtypes: metastatic calcinosis (including calciphylaxis), dystrophic calcinosis, idiopathic calcinosis and iatrogenic calcinosis
- Hard whitish nodules are typically seen.
- In most causes of calcinosis cutis, the calcifications are predominantly deep dermal and subcutaneous, with less involvement of the superficial dermis.
- Fibrosis and/or foreign body giant cell reaction may be present.
- The "subepidermal calcified nodule" is a solitary lesion seen in infants, especially on the face. Microscopically, calcification is present immediately beneath the epidermis, which is acanthotic and hyperkeratotic.
Also known as: widespread calcification with vascular thrombosis, calcific uremic arteriopathy, calcifying panniculitis, vascular calcification-cutaneous necrosis syndrome
- Complication of renal failure, especially when there is secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism
- Painful violaceous lesions, most common on the trunk and extremities, which may progress to form ulcers and gangrene
- Often fatal
- Calcification of small to medium-sized dermal and subcutaneous blood vessels, often with secondary thrombosis
- Necrosis of the skin and subcutis may ensue.