Print OverviewCalciphylaxis (kal-sih-fuh-LAK-sis) is a serious, uncommon disease in which calcium accumulates in small blood vessels of the fat and skin tissues. Calciphylaxis causes blood clots, painful skin ulcers and may cause serious infections that can lead to death. People who have calciphylaxis usually have kidney failure and are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant. The condition can also occur in people without kidney disease.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th EditionNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsSigns and symptoms of calciphylaxis include: Large purple net-like patterns on skin Deep, very painful lumps that ulcerate creating open sores with black-brown crust that fails to heal — typically in skin areas with high fat content, such as the stomach and thigh, although they can occur anywhere Infections from wounds that don't heal CausesThe exact cause of calciphylaxis is unknown, but recent studies have revealed that most people with the condition have abnormalities in blood-clotting factors. Blood-clotting factors are substances in your blood that help stop bleeding. These abnormalities can lead to small blood clots forming more often than they normally would. In addition, people with calciphylaxis have an imbalance in the metabolism of calcium. This causes calcium to be deposited in the smallest parts of the arteries (arterioles), which eventually leads to the formation of blood clots in the arterioles. Blood clots can cause fat tissues and skin to be deprived of oxygen and nourishment. Request an appointment Risk factorsCalciphylaxis most commonly affects people who have end-stage kidney failure. Possible risk factors include: Being female Obesity Diabetes Abnormalities in blood-clotting factors Long-term dialysis and sometimes kidney transplantation An imbalance of calcium, phosphorus and aluminum in the body Some medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), calcium-binding agents or corticosteroids An overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates the level of calcium and phosphorus in the body — a condition known as hyperparathyroidism Uremia, a toxic condition in which substances normally eliminated in the urine — such as calcium and phosphorus — build up in the body ComplicationsComplications of calciphylaxis include: Severe pain Large, deep, nonhealing ulcers Blood infections Death, usually due to infection and multiorgan failure Typically, the outlook for people with calciphylaxis isn't hopeful. Early detection and treatment is very important in helping to prevent serious infections. By Mayo Clinic Staff Calciphylaxis care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Sept. 03, 2022 Print Show references AskMayoExpert. Calciphylaxis. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Nigweaker SU, et al. Calciphylaxis (calcific uremic arteriolopathy). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 21, 2018. Nigwekar SU, et al. Calciphylaxis: Risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. American Journal of Kidney Disease. 2015;66:133. Chen TY, et al. Histopathology of calciphylaxis: Cohort study with clinical correlations. American Journal of Dermatopathology. 2017;39:795. King BJ, et al. Direct oral anticoagulant medications in calciphylaxis. International Journal of Dermatology. 2017;56:1065. Riemer CA, et al. Underreported use of palliative care and patient-reported outcome measures to address reduced quality of life in patients with calciphylaxis: A systematic review. British Journal of Dermatology. 2017;177:1510. El-Azhary RA, et al. Calciphylaxis: A disease of pannicular thrombosis. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2016;91:1395. McCarthy JT, et al. Survival, risk factors, and effect of treatment in 101 patients with calciphylaxis. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2016;91:1384. Ghosh T, et al. Early clinical presentations and progression of calciphylaxis. International Journal of Dermatology 2017;56:856. Warner KJ. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. June 17, 2020. El-Azhary RA, et al. Retrospective analysis of tissue plasminogen activator as an adjuvant treatment for calciphylaxis. JAMA Dermatology. 2013;149:63. El-Azhary RA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 19, 2018. Related Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic CalciphylaxisSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. 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