Calcinosis cutis

Calcinosis cutis (or cutaneous calcification) is a type of calcinosis wherein calcium deposits form in the skin. A variety of factors can result in this condition. The most common source is dystrophic calcification, which occurs in soft tissue as a response to injury. In dogs, calcinosis cutis is virtually pathognomonic for Canine Cushing's syndrome.

Types

The specific manifestations of calcinosis cutis vary according to the original cause of the symptom. Sub-types include:

• dystrophic calcinosis cutis
• iatrogenic calcinosis cutis
• idiopathic calcinosis cutis
• metastatic calcinosis cutis
• calcinosis cutis circumscripta
• calcinosis cutis universalis

Causes

Calcinosis may be the results of a variety of causes such as:

• Trauma to the region
• Inflammation (bug bites, acne)
• Varicose veins
• Infections
• Tumors (malignant or benign)
• Diseases of connective tissue
• Hypercalcemia
• Hyperphosphatemia

See also

• calcinosis

External links

• http://tray.dermatology.uiowa.edu/CalCut01.htm