Leg Ulceration with Infected Calcinosis Cutis Mimicking Osteomyelitis: A Case Report

J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2024 Jul-Aug;114(4):22-065. doi: 10.7547/22-065.

Abstract

Calcified tissue exposed in a leg ulcer can become infected and develop into a nidus of infection leading to sepsis. This case details a patient with a leg wound secondary to skin biopsy. This leg ulceration did not heal due to an underlying calcified mass and led to five hospital admissions for sepsis. She was diagnosed as having calcinosis cutis, which was suspected to be the source of her infections. The calcified mass was resected, and she healed uneventfully without further infections. Calcified soft-tissue masses should be considered in nonhealing leg ulcers and ulcers with multiple recurrent infections. Radiographs can be used to diagnose this condition, and surgical excision can be considered in cases of infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Calcinosis Cutis
  • Calcinosis* / diagnosis
  • Calcinosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leg Ulcer* / diagnosis
  • Leg Ulcer* / etiology
  • Osteomyelitis* / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases / diagnosis