Coexistence of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and calciphylaxis in a gadolinium-naïve, chronic haemodialysis patient

Abstract

We present a case of a man in his 40s who was on haemodialysis for over 20 years presenting with rapidly progressive decline in mobility, associated with fixed flexion deformities of joints and peau d'orange appearance of skin together with areas of ulceration that was concerning for calciphylaxis. Skin biopsies were consistent with both nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and calciphylaxis. He has never had exposure to gadolinium-based contrast agent. His treatment included daily dialysis sessions, which were challenging due to vascular access issues and three times weekly sodium thiosulfate. He rapidly declined in hospital and died within 2 weeks of presentation while being treated for a hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Keywords: chronic renal failure; dialysis.