Calciphylaxis: Comparison of radiologic imaging and histopathology.

Background: The current gold standard for diagnosis of calciphylaxis is a skin biopsy specimen demonstrating calcification of small-caliber arteries or arterioles.
Objective: The aim of this study is to compare diameters of calcified vessels seen in skin biopsy specimens and radiology images of patients with calciphylaxis.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with known calciphylaxis from 2009 to 2016 at a community hospital who had both skin biopsy specimens and radiology images taken as part of their routine care. Vascular calcification was compared in skin biopsy specimens and radiology images.
Results: Seven patients were identified. Small-vessel calcification as fine as 0.1 to 0.3 mm was identified on plain films in 3 patients; 0.1 to 0.2 mm by mammography in 3 patients, and 0.1 to 0.2 mm by computed tomography imaging in 1 patient, nearly as fine a resolution as on histopathology.
Limitations: This was a single-center study with limited sample size.
Conclusion: Radiologic imaging might enable more rapid diagnosis of calciphylaxis when skin biopsy specimen is pending or not available.
(Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)