Bone scintigraphy of calciphylaxis: a syndrome of vascular calcification and skin necrosis

Clin Nucl Med. 2005 Nov;30(11):725-7. doi: 10.1097/01.rlu.0000182215.97219.72.

Abstract

Calciphylaxis is a highly morbid syndrome of vascular calcification and skin necrosis, the pathophysiology of which remains largely elusive. We report a patient with end-stage renal disease and multiple painful skin lesions who underwent a bone scan for extremity pain. Increased tracer accumulation was seen in the subcutaneous tissues of the trunk and lower extremities. In this case, the bone scan aided in the diagnosis and treatment of calciphylaxis for a patient who experienced a relatively short hospital stay.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bone and Bones / diagnostic imaging*
  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Calciphylaxis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Necrosis
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Skin Ulcer / diagnostic imaging*
  • Skin Ulcer / pathology*
  • Syndrome
  • Technetium Tc 99m Medronate*
  • Vascular Diseases / diagnostic imaging*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Technetium Tc 99m Medronate