Calcinosis Cutis Research Paper

Calcinosis cutis is rare condition signified by calcium deposition in skin and subcutaneous tissues. In all cases of calcinosis cutis, insoluble compounds of calcium are deposited within the skin due to local and/or systemic factors. These calcium salts consist primarily of hydroxyapatite crystals or amorphous calcium phosphate. It is commonly seen in blacks, and no apparent gender predilection is noted (6,7)

From the pathogenesis point of view, the condition is classified as metastatic, dystrophic, iatrogenic, idiopathic and calciphylaxis. Dystrophic variant has normal serum calcium and phosphate values with history of trauma where as metastatic variant shows abnormal ranges of calcium and phosphate. In Iatrogenic subtype calcium salts deposit in the skin as a side effect of medical intervention for other disease processes. Calciphylaxis is associated with small vessel calcification in the dermis and subcutaneous fat causing infarction and there may be associated hyperparathyroidism and disturbances in the phosphate and calcium metabolism. Idiopathic calcinosis cutis occurs in the absence of any underlying tissue damage or metabolic condition.
However, the history and evolution of the lesions depend on the etiology of the calcification. Patients with dystrophic calcification may provide a history of an underlying disease, a preexisting dermal nodule (which represents a tumor), or an inciting traumatic event. Patients with metastatic calcification most frequently have a history of chronic renal failure. Cases of idiopathic calcinosis cutis usually are not associated with previous trauma or disease. Those who develop iatrogenic calcinosis cutis generally have a history of recent