CUTANEOUS CALCIFICATIONS

 

R. Strumia, MD Unit of Dermatology St Anne Hospital University, Ferrara, Italy


Cutaneous calcifications may be divided into four major categories:

 

Ø       dystrophic

Ø       metastatic

Ø       idiopathic

Ø       iatrogenic

 

Dystrophic calcification is the most common type of calcinosis cutis and is associated with a variety of disorders.

When dystrophic calcification occurs locally and consists of only a few deposits of calcium salts, it is referred to as calcinosis circumscripta

When the deposits are large and widespread, it is termed calcinosis universalis.

Metastatic calcification is the precipitation of calcium salts in normal tissue as a result of an underlying defect in calcium and/or phosphate metabolism.

The calcification is usually widespread and affects predominally blood vessels, kidneys, lungs and gastric mucosa. A variety os systemic disorders lead to metastatic calcification.

Idiopathic calcification occurs without evidence of tissue abnormality or aberrant calcium and/or phosphate metabolism.

Iatrogenic calcification may be a complication of intravenous calcium chloride and calcium gluconate therapy. With extravation of the calcium solution, calcified nodules may appear.


PUBLICATIONS

 

1. Dovigo L, Menegale G, Cominato PA, Comper P, Bazzanini G, Roveri N, Bigi A, Strumia R.Studio ultrastrutturale dei depositi calcifici nella sclerodermia. Atti Simposio "Le sindromi sclerodermiche", Udine 30-31 ottobre 1987.

2. Strumia R.Bettoli V, Marchetti F. Calcinosi con eliminazione transepiteliale in porfiria cutanea tarda. G It Derm Venereol 125,201,1990.

3. Bettoli V, Bigi A, Cojazzi G, Roveri N, Strumia R. Structural and chemical characterization of a cutaneous calcification. J Therm Analysis 1992;38:2719-2728.

4. Strumia R, Lombardi AR, Altieri E. Un caso di orecchio pietrificato.Atti Congresso SIDEV, pag. 130, Trieste 4-5 ottobre 1996.

5. Strumia R, Lombardi AR, Altieri E.The petrified ear - A manifestation of dystrophic calcification.Dermatology 1997;194:371-3.

 

IMAGES

 

DYSTROPHIC CALCIFICATION-VIDEOMICROSCOPY

 

CUTANEOUS CALCIFICATION IN HAEPATIC CYRROSIS


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