Idiopathic Soft Tissue Calcification in an Extremity: A Case Report

Abstract

We report a case of a-15-days-old infant presenting with firm palpable thickening of the left leg soft tissues along with induration. Radiographs of the leg revealed generalized calcification of soft tissues. No obvious underlying cause could be identified for tissue calcification and hence termed as Idiopathic calcinois cutis. There are reports of this condition in Pediatric and Dermatology literature, but very few reports in orthopedic literature. The aim of this report is to highlight the pathogenesis, course and review of literature of this relatively uncommon condition which can easily be mistaken by Orthopedic or General Surgeons for infective bony of soft tissue infection.

Surgical Management of Idiopathic Ulcerative Calcinosis Cutis in the Lower Extremity: A Case Report

“…Calcinosis cutis is a disorder in which calcium salt deposition occurs in the soft tissues (skin, subcutaneous, fascial, and muscular layers) and, uncommonly, in the viscera (1,4). This rare condition was first described by Virchow in 1855 and is classified based on etiology into 4 types: iatrogenic, metastatic, dystrophic, and idiopathic (3,4). The iatrogenic type is usually a result of a medical intervention in which extravasation of a calcium compound occurs in the soft tissues, such as the leakage of an intravenous calcium infusion.…”

“…The iatrogenic type is usually a result of a medical intervention in which extravasation of a calcium compound occurs in the soft tissues, such as the leakage of an intravenous calcium infusion. The metastatic type is caused by a disturbed metabolism of calcium and phosphate, such as occurs in conditions like chronic renal failure and hyperparathyroidism, in which calcium deposits into the soft tissues and, more often, the visceral organs (1,3). The dystrophic type is caused by trauma to a localized area or as a manifestation of an autoimmune disorder such as systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, CREST syndrome, or scleroderma.…”

“…It is thought that the resultant inflammation from either cause creates calcium depositions in patients who often have normal serum calcium and phosphate levels (1,2,4). The idiopathic type occurs when the cause is unidentifiable and the patient presents with normal serum calcium and phosphate levels (3).…”

“…Identifying and treating the underlying disease, such as a connective tissue disorder, is one method of approach for treatment (1,2). Medication therapies can also be tried to decrease inflammation and reduce calcium deposition (3). In addition, surgical removal of the calcium deposits is treatment used particularly in cases in which sites of deposition have become infected (1,3,4).…”

“…Medication therapies can also be tried to decrease inflammation and reduce calcium deposition (3). In addition, surgical removal of the calcium deposits is treatment used particularly in cases in which sites of deposition have become infected (1,3,4).…”