Development of calciphylaxis after long-term steroid and methotroxate use in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Intern Med. 2005 Nov;44(11):1178-81. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.44.1178.

Abstract

Calciphylaxis may be considered a small vessel vasculopathy which is generaly associated with end-stage renal disease and hyperparathyroidism. The precise pathogenesis of the disease is not known. It needs sensitizers and challengers to occur. Steroids and immunosuppressive drugs including methotrexate are among those challenger agents. Calciphylaxis in collagen vascular diseases is rare. Only one case in rheumatoid arthritis was recently reported. Here we describe a case of calciphylaxis associated with active rheumatoid arthritis. This patient had active disease despite treatment of steroids and methotrexate for a long time. She died shortly after the diagnosis of calciphylaxis due to sepsis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Calciphylaxis / chemically induced*
  • Calciphylaxis / diagnostic imaging
  • Calciphylaxis / pathology
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects*
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Radiography
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Methotrexate