Pulmonary Calciphylaxis Associated with Acute Respiratory and Renal Failure Due to Cryptogenic Hypercalcemia: An Autopsy Case Report.
- Author:
Na Rae KIM
1
;
Jin Won SEO
;
Young Hwan LIM
;
Hyoung Suk HAM
;
Wooseong HUH
;
Joungho HAN
Author Information
1. Department of Pathology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Calcification;
Hypercalcemia;
Calciphylaxis
- MeSH:
Autopsy;
Calciphylaxis;
Calcium;
Humans;
Hypercalcemia;
Necrosis;
Renal Dialysis;
Renal Insufficiency;
Vascular Calcification
- From:Korean Journal of Pathology
2012;46(6):601-605
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Metastatic calcification is rare; it is found during autopsy in patients who underwent hemodialysis. Diffuse calcium precipitation of small and medium-sized cutaneous vessels, known as calciphylaxis, can result in progressive tissue necrosis secondary to vascular calcification. This condition most commonly involves the skin; however, a rare occurrence of visceral calciphylaxis has been reported. Here we report on an autopsy case. Despite a thorough evaluation, and even performing an autopsy, the underlying cause of acute-onset hypercalcemia, resulting in the production of pulmonary calciphylaxis and metastatic renal calcification associated with acute respiratory and renal failure, could not be determined. Metastatic calcification often lacks specific symptoms, and the degree of calcification is a marker of the severity and chronicity of the disease. This unusual autopsy case emphasizes the importance of rapidly progressing visceral calciphylaxis, as well as its early detection.
