Point-of-care Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Calciphylaxis

Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med. 2020 Aug;4(3):495-496. doi: 10.5811/cpcem.2020.7.47886.

Abstract

Case presentation: A 63-year-old male with a past medical history of end stage renal disease presented to the emergency department with painful, lower-extremity necrotic ulcerations. Ultrasound and computed tomography imaging showed concerns for calcium deposits. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of calciphylaxis, a rare lethal disease.

Discussion: Emergency physicians should keep this disease on their differential due to the high mortality rate.