Worsening of soft tissue calcifications in a hemodialysis patient following parathyroidectomy

Hemodialysis patients with soft tissue calcifications present unique challenges to nephrologists who play an integral role in their long‐term management. Although disorders of soft tissue calcification are rare in the general population, calciphylaxis and tumoral calcinosis are encountered in up to 4% of the end‐stage renal disease population. Although they are both associated with the deposition of calcium in the soft tissue, they are distinct entities that differ markedly in respect to their clinical presentation, morbidity, and mortality. It is therefore exceedingly important that the nephrologist be aware of these disorders, be able to recognize them, and be able to differentiate them from each other to diagnose and treat patients appropriately. To achieve this it is necessary that the nephrologist be familiar with the diagnostic tools and the treatment modalities that are available. A case of a patient with soft tissue calcifications is presented followed by an overview of these disorders including a comparison of the clinical, laboratory, radiologic, and histologic findings, as well as treatment.