| Calcinosis cutis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Cutaneous calcification |
 | |
| Micrograph of calcinosis cutis. The calcification is purple (bottom of image). H&E stain. | |
| Specialty |
Dermatology 
|
Calcinosis cutis is a type of calcinosis wherein calcium deposits form in the skin. A variety of factors can result in this condition. The most common source is dystrophic calcification, which occurs in soft tissue as a response to injury. In addition, calcinosis is seen in Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis, also known as CREST syndrome (the "C" in CREST). In dogs, calcinosis cutis is found in young, large breed dogs and is thought to occur after a traumatic injury.
Causes
Calcinosis may result from a variety of causes such as:
- Trauma to the region
- Inflammation (bug bites, acne)
- Varicose veins
- Infections
- Tumors (malignant or benign)
- Diseases of connective tissue
- Hypercalcemia
- Hyperphosphatemia
Calcinosis cutis is associated with systemic sclerosis.
Diagnosis
Types
Calcinosis cutis may be divided into the following types:
- Dystrophic calcinosis cutis
- Metastatic calcinosis cutis
- Iatrogenic calcinosis cutis
- Traumatic calcinosis cutis
- Idiopathic calcinosis cutis
- Idiopathic scrotal calcinosis
- Subepidermal calcified nodule
- Tumoral calcinosis
- Osteoma cutis
Treatment
Intralesional corticosteroids may be beneficial. Colchicine has been shown to be effective in certain populations. The efficacy of other treatments, such as magnesium or aluminum antacids, sodium etidronate, diphosphonates and diltiazem is unclear, but they have been reported to be serviceable in refractory calcinosis. Surgical options may be considered, particularly if there is associated ulceration.
Gallery
Calcinosis cutis in a dog with Cushing's syndrome
Histopathology of calcinosis cutis in human tissue
