Complete reversal of tumoral calcinosis after subtotal parathyroidectomy in a hemodialysis patient.

INTRODUCTION

Tumoral calcinosis is a rare complication of chronic hemodialysis whose mechanism is incompletely understood. The treatment is challenging and should target the main precipitating factors, most notably secondary hyperparathyroidism and calcium-phosphate (Ca x P) product elevation.

CASE REPORT: In this 41-year-old patient, tumoral calcinosis developed in the right hip and subacromial bursa of the right shoulder after 3 years of chronic hemodialysis. Laboratory tests showed hyperparathyroidism with Ca x P elevation. Subtotal parathyroidectomy was performed. Eight months later, there was no evidence of tumoral calcinosis at either of the previously affected sites.

CONCLUSION

The effectiveness of parathyroidectomy in our patient underlies the key role played by secondary hyperparathyroidism in the pathogenesis of tumoral calcinosis complicating hemodialysis.