Calcific uremic arteriolopathy (calciphylaxis) calls into question the validity of guidelines of diagnosis and treatment

AbstractCalciphylaxis is associated with end-stage renal failure or kidney transplant, although, cases of non-uremic calciphylaxis have been reported. It is a rare disorder, with high mortality, characterized by vascular calcification within cutaneous vessels; vascular calcification can occur in other organs, besides skin, like heart, lung or pancreas, which is named visceral calciphylaxis.The diagnosis is based mainly on clinical features and histopathological findings. Here, we review current knowledge regarding diagnosis and therapeutic approach to cutaneous calciphylaxis.