calcinosi

Calcinosi is the Italian term for calcinosis, the deposition of insoluble calcium salts in soft tissues. It is not a disease itself but a sign or complication of various conditions. Clinically it is often categorized by location and cause: calcinosis cutis (skin and subcutaneous tissue); calcific periarthritis or tendinous calcinosis (around joints or within tendons); tumoral calcinosis (large periarticular masses); and calciphylaxis (calcific uremic arteriolopathy), a severe form associated with end-stage renal disease.

Calcinosis cutis has several subtypes. Dystrophic calcinosis occurs with tissue damage or inflammatory diseases and with normal calcium and phosphate levels; it is seen in systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, and lupus. Metastatic calcinosis results from elevated calcium or phosphate and may accompany hyperparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease, or vitamin D disorders. Iatrogenic calcinosis follows medical procedures, and idiopathic calcinosis has no identifiable cause.

Diagnosis uses imaging and labs. X-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI can identify deposits and their extent. Blood tests assess calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, renal function, and other metabolic or autoimmune factors.

Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying condition and symptom relief. Localized deposits may be removed surgically. Managing abnormal calcium and phosphate levels is important in many forms. Some patients have benefited from medications such as calcium channel blockers, bisphosphonates, or, in calciphylaxis, sodium thiosulfate, though efficacy varies. Prognosis depends on type and associated disease.