Glans penis necrosis caused by calcific uremic arteriolopathy

Abstract

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA) or calciphylaxis is a syndrome characterized by calcification of vessels located in the dermis and adipose tissue. It commonly occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and end-stage renal disease. Clinical presentation generally begins with severe pain, followed by the presence of liveloid or purpuric plaques. Later the formation necrotic ulcers occur. This condition is associated with a poor prognosis, with a high rate of mortality within months of the diagnosis. Penile involvement is an uncommon but severe manifestation. We present an 81-year-old man with a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and end-stage renal disease with a one-month evolution of painful necrotic ulcers on his glans penis. He was diagnosed with CUA. Owing to infection complicated by sepsis; penectomy was performed. Unfortunately, the patient died of myocardial infarction during his hospitalization.