Calciphylaxis Following Parathyroidectomy in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients-Case Report and Literature Review

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy, also known as calciphylaxis, is a rare and often fatal condition most commonly occurring in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is marked by extensive vascular calcification, resulting in tissue ischemia and the development of distinctive skin lesions. We report the case of a 38-year-old male with ESRD due to polycystic kidney disease, who developed calciphylaxis lesions following total parathyroidectomy (PTx). We also performed an electronic search of PubMed and Google Scholar from inception until December 2024, using the following keywords: 'chronic kidney disease', 'dialysis', 'calciphylaxis', 'calcific uremic arteriolopathy', 'secondary hyperparathyroidism', and 'parathyroidectomy'. A literature review of calciphylaxis cases following PTx in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients identified 14 cases reported up to the manuscript's writing. Although PTx can be a treatment option for calciphylaxis related to severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), leading to clinical improvement in some patients, there are atypical calciphylaxis cases occurring after PTx. While the mechanism is not fully understood, the sudden reduction in parathormone (PTH) levels leading to hypocalcemia and decreased bone turnover, together with an increased calcium loading in a patient at risk for abnormal mineralization, may promote vascular and soft tissue calcification. However, the long-term impact of severe SHPT with a delayed post-PTx manifestation cannot be ruled out. Clinicians should consider calciphylaxis in CKD patients with new painful skin lesions. Skin biopsy remains controversial, but a thorough clinical examination, and, in some cases, imaging are essential for a correct diagnosis. A multidisciplinary, personalized approach is crucial, with careful management of post-PTx hypocalcemia and calcium supplementation. Further research is needed to enhance understanding and treatment strategies.