Case Report

Calciphylaxis in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Case Report and Brief Review

Authors: Rene Joukhadar MD, Tamis Bright MD

Abstract

Abstract:A 52-year-old woman was admitted with complaints of nonhealing skin ulcers. The laboratory assessment showed a calcium level of 13.2 mg/dL (normal 8.4–10.2 mg/dL), albumin 2 g/dL (normal 3.5–4.8 g/dL), corrected calcium 14.8 mg/dL, phosphorus 1.4 mg/dL (normal 2.4–4.7 mg/dL), creatinine 0.7 mg/dL (normal 0.5–1.2 mg/dL), parathyroid hormone 893.3 pg/mL (normal 11.1–79.5 pg/mL). A technetium-sestamibi scan showed a left inferior parathyroid adenoma. The patient underwent a parathyroidectomy. Pathology showed a parathyroid adenoma. Despite treatment of her skin wounds with broad spectrum antibiotics and local wound care, the patient died of overwhelming sepsis. Calciphylaxis is a rare but serious disorder that leads to skin and soft tissue necrosis and requires prompt diagnosis and management.

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