Calcinosis cutis universalis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Clin Rheumatol. 2006 Feb;25(1):70-4. doi: 10.1007/s10067-005-1134-5. Epub 2005 May 18.

Abstract

Deposition of calcium salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissue occurs in a variety of rheumatic diseases, being most commonly associated with scleroderma, CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia), dermatomyositis, and overlap syndromes but is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Calcinosis is classified into four subsets: dystrophic, metastatic, idiopathic, or calciphylaxis/iatrogenic. The pathophysiology of calcinosis cutis remains unclear. Our patient developed extensive areas of calcifications in the trunk and extremities (calcinosis universalis) 8 years after SLE diagnosis, which would correspond to a form of dystrophic calcification. No response was observed after treatment with oral diltiazem for 3 months. We review the literature on the pathogenesis and prevalence of calcinosis universalis in SLE.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcinosis / etiology*
  • Calcinosis / pathology
  • Calcinosis / physiopathology
  • Calcium Phosphates / isolation & purification
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leg Ulcer / complications
  • Leg Ulcer / pathology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / pathology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / physiopathology
  • Microscopy, Polarization
  • Skin Diseases / etiology*
  • Skin Diseases / pathology
  • Skin Diseases / physiopathology

Substances

  • Calcium Phosphates
  • calcium phosphate