Calciphylaxis in a Young Adult with Acute Kidney Injury and Recently Diagnosed End-stage Liver Disease

Abstract

Calciphylaxis is a rare condition in which calcification of medium blood vessels in the skin results in the purpura and painful, necrotic skin ulcers. Although most commonly seen in adults with end-stage kidney disease and long-term dialysis use, reports of nonuremic calciphylaxis exist. We present the case of a 29-year old woman with recently diagnosed end-stage liver disease who presented with an acute kidney injury and painful lower extremity purpura and ulcers with biopsy-confirmed calciphylaxis. The patient had been receiving dialysis for less than one month. Treatment with sodium thiosulfate was provided but was unsuccessful. The patient ultimately pursued palliative care.