Atypical presentation of calciphylaxis in a patient with renal failure: successful treatment with unfractionated heparin

Yiu-Han CHAN1, Kim-Ming WONG1, Philip Chong-Hei KWOK2, Chi-Yuen CHEUNG1, Wai-Leung CHAK1, Koon-Shing CHOI1, Ka-Foon CHAU1, Chun-Sang LI1
Renal Unit, Departments of
1Medicine and
2Radiology and Imaging, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong.

Calciphylaxis is a rare but serious complication in patients with end-stage renal failure. The condition is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The exact pathogenesis of calciphylaxis and the optimal treatment are still not known. A disturbance of coagulation seems to be relevant in the pathogenesis, and anticoagulation therapy seems to be a rational therapy. Reported herein is a case of calciphylaxis developed in a renal failure patient receiving peritoneal dialysis who was successfully treated with intravenous unfractionated heparin. (Hong Kong J Nephrol 2001;3(2):103-106)

Key words: Calciphylaxis, Heparin, Parathyroidectomy, Renal failure, Skin ulcer

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