Calciphylaxis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis without renal failure and hyperparathyroidism: the possible role of long-term steroid use and protein S deficiency

Clin Rheumatol. 2002 Feb;21(1):66-9. doi: 10.1007/s100670200016.

Abstract

Calciphylaxis is a rare and life-threatening condition of progressive cutaneous necrosis secondary to small and medium-sized vessel calcification that is seen almost exclusively in patients with end-stage renal disease and hyperparathyroidism. We report a case of calciphylaxis that may very well be due to a long-term steroid use in a rheumatoid arthritis patient who had neither end-stage renal disease nor hyperparathyroidism. We also discuss the possible role of protein S deficiency as a contributing factor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Calciphylaxis / chemically induced
  • Calciphylaxis / diagnostic imaging
  • Calciphylaxis / etiology*
  • Calciphylaxis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hyperparathyroidism / complications
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications
  • Male
  • Protein S Deficiency / complications*
  • Radiography
  • Steroids / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Steroids