Calciphylaxis following kidney transplantation: a case report

• Main Authors: Hanvesakul Rajesh, Silva Michael A, Hejmadi Rahul, Mellor Steve, Ready Andrew R, Cockwell Paul, Inston Nicholas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-11-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/3/1/9297

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Calciphylaxis occurring after kidney transplantation is rare and rarely reported. It results in chronic non-healing wounds and is associated with a poor prognosis and is often fatal. We present a case of proximal lower limb calciphylaxis that occurred early after kidney transplantation. The patient had no classic associated risk factors. He had previously had a total parathyroidectomy but had normal serum calcium-phosphate product and parathyroid hormone levels. The clinical outcome of this case was favorable and highlights some fundamental issues relating to management.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 70-year-old British Caucasian man with end-stage renal failure secondary to IgA nephropathy presented six months post kidney transplantation with cutaneous calciphylaxis lesions involving the medial aspect of the thigh bilaterally.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of rapid onset cutaneous calciphylaxis occurring soon after kidney transplantation that was associated with a favorable outcome. Cutaneous calciphylaxis lesions should be promptly managed with meticulous wound care, antimicrobial therapy and the correction of calcium-phosphate product where indicated.</p>