Calciphylaxis and its relation to end-stage renal disease: a literature review and case presentation.

Calciphylaxis is an uncommon phenomenon usually observed in patients with chronic renal failure who are on dialysis and who have secondary hyperparathyroidism. Treatment is multifocal and may include wound debridement, wound excision, and various methods of achieving closure. Removal of the parathyroid glands often is advocated, but this option remains controversial. Despite treatment, there is a fatal outcome in a majority of cases due to septicemia. Prompt recognition and treatment are imperative to help prevent septicemia. A review of the literature and two case studies are presented.