SYSTEMIC CALCIPHYLAXIS

Systemic calciphylaxis is a rare, poorly understood syndrome of progressive ischemic necrosis, usually associated with hyperparathyroidism. The combination of hyperparathyroidism, usually secondary or tertiary, and chronic renal failure seems to produce a particular biochemical environment conducive to the development of an unusual progressive form of ischemia. Early recognition and diagnosis, appropriate therapy including wound care, and expeditious parathyroidectomy often will halt the progression of the disease, minimize limb loss, and prevent subsequent sepsis and death.